Environmental charity WRAP has launched the UK’s inaugural Food Waste Action Week (1-7 March) to drive home the message that wasting food feeds climate change.
FareShare has created six tips to help people reduce their food waste.
Don’t overbuy
Don’t buy more than you need, and keep track of what’s in your fridge. It won’t just help you reduce your food waste – it will save you money too.
Check use-by dates
Always check the use-by dates of food when you buy it. Use-by dates are about food safety, so these are the dates to pay attention to. Only buy something if you know you’ll have the time to eat it before it goes off.
Plan
Planning is key! Plan your meals for the week ahead, and don’t forget to think about how you’re going to use up the leftovers.
Check fridge temperature
Check your fridge temperature. It should be between 0-5°C. Some foods, especially dairy products, will go off much quicker if it’s warmer.
Use leftovers
Use your leftovers. Not sure how to use your leftover food? Try looking up new recipes online.
Apps like Afoodible can help you create delicious meals using ingredients you already have in your fridge.
Freeze food
Freeze it! Parboil and freeze left over veg, or spend a bit of time batch cooking meals to freeze in individual portions at the weekends. That way you’ll always have something delicious to eat, and nothing gets wasted.
FareShare has been especially busy due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A donation of £5 a month can deliver enough food for 20 meals every month. If you are interested in donating, visit: https://fareshare.org.uk/donate/.