Choose loose this Food Waste Action Week

Did you know the average household of four in the UK throws away around £1,000 worth of edible food each year? This is nearly 5 million tonnes of food, what a waste!

Food waste contributes to climate change. The only countries that generate more carbon emissions than are produced by the food we grow, transport, process and then throw away worldwide are China and the USA.

This year’s Food Waste Action Week campaign is encouraging people to reduce their food waste by choosing loose rather than packaged fruit and veg.

Buying loose produce means you can buy just what you need and recent research estimates sixty thousand tonnes of food waste could be avoided if all apples, bananas and potatoes were sold loose instead of package.

Buying loose fruit and veg one way is one great way reduce food waste but there are many other things you can do. 

What can I do?

Plan ahead

In the UK we throw away 4.7 million tonnes of food each year. 1.2 million tonnes is waste was because we cooked, prepared or served too much. Planning meals and food shopping can help reduce this.                                                    

Shop savvy

Once you’ve made your list, stick to it and, if you can, buy loose produce to select just what you need. 

Every year in the UK we throw away 1.7 million tonnes of fruit and veg. We buy too much and then don’t get around to eating it in time. When you choose loose fruit and veg you can buy the amount that you need and can use.