Household Food Waste
An estimated 6.7 million tonnes of household food waste is produced each year in the UK, most of which could have been eaten. This wastes good food, costs us all money and adversely impacts on the environment. The amount of food we throw away is a major contributor to the production of greenhouse gases in the UK.
To help reduce the amount of food that is thrown away, WRAP and its partners are running a 'Love Food Hate Waste' consumer facing campaign to encourage behavioural change. We are working with the UK grocery sector, food industry, Government and organisations such as the Food Standards Agency to develop practical solutions and improved communications to make it easier for consumers to get the most from the food they buy and waste less of it.
WRAP's aim is to reduce consumer food waste by 100,000 tonnes by March 2008 and new targets are currently being drawn up to take us into 2011.
Research has shown good intentions are often hampered by a range of factors including:
- a lack of planning when food shopping - buying more than is needed;
- poor food storage knowledge;
- a lack of confidence around cooking (especially making meals from the food available in the house, and portion control), and
- confusion over food date labels (such as the difference between 'use by' and 'best before').
There are a number of different approaches to reducing food waste - packaging and technology play an important role. Improving or adapting packaging and applying technologies such as:
- increasing the shelf life of products;
- using oxygen scavengers;
- modified atmospheres;
- interactive films, and
- resealable packaging
are all helpful in maintaining food quality for longer, both in store and at home.
The environmental costs of food waste are enormous. It is estimated that 20% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food production, distribution and storage. If we stopped wasting food that could have been eaten we could prevent at least 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year. The majority of these emissions are associated with embedded energy but a significant proportion arises as a result of food waste going to landfill sites. Once in landfill food breakdown produces methane - a greenhouse gas 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
This consumer facing campaign aims to raise awareness of the need to reduce the amount of food that we throw away, and how doing this will benefit us all and the environment. The campaign highlights that there are a few quick and easy things that consumers can do to reduce the amount of food thrown away and the website contains:
- useful tips and tools;
- fabulous recipes; and
- comments from celebrities and food writers.
Along with individuals and retailers, organisations are being encouraged to 'add their voice' to the campaign and partners can find brand guidelines, advertising and promotional materials at the Love Food Hate Waste Partners website.
