Waste – Divert food waste

Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, as it decomposes in landfills and generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

In Australia, over a third of food waste comes from homes, with nearly half of all fruit and vegetables produced being wasted. By reducing food waste, we can lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserve valuable resources. Simple steps like buying only what you need, storing food correctly, using up leftovers, and composting can make a big difference. Reusing and recycling food scraps not only helps the environment but also supports your local community and reduces waste costs.

Benefits

Reducing food waste conserves resources, reduces methane emissions from landfills, and helps combat hunger by redirecting edible food to those in need, while also promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Use or freeze leftovers for a spare meal instead of throwing food away

How To

Reducing food waste starts with making the most of the food you already have. Using leftovers creatively can save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help the environment by preventing food from ending up in landfills. Begin by organizing your fridge and pantry to prioritize older items and plan meals that incorporate them. Whether freezing surplus food, repurposing leftovers into new dishes, or preparing ‘lazy’ lunches from scraps, small changes can make a big difference in cutting food waste.

Tips

  • Rotate food so the oldest items are most accessible.
  • Use transparent containers for better visibility.
  • Plan one “clean-out-the-fridge” meal each week.
  • Search online recipes that creatively use leftovers.

Resources

Video: Food waste: The hidden cost of the food we throw out

Weblink: Greenhouse gas calculator

Create a weekly meal plan and buy only what you need to follow the plan

How To

Planning meals ahead of time helps reduce food waste, saves money, and simplifies your weekly routine. By creating a plan, you can shop smarter, use up what you already have, and prevent impulse buys. Over time, meal planning can also make it easier to adopt healthier eating habits and cut down on unnecessary packaging.

Tips

  • Check your pantry and fridge before shopping.
  • Write down a plan that includes meals and portions.
  • Incorporate leftovers to reduce waste and stretch ingredients.

Resources

Phone APP: Saveful

Template: Weekly meal plan Meal Plan Template

Weblink: Food Portion Calculator

Audit your food – keep food waste out of landfill

How To

Conducting a food waste audit is a simple way to reduce waste and save money. Start by organising your pantry, rotating items to use older food first, and creating a ‘use it up’ shelf for items near their expiration date. Use transparent containers and label all food with its name and date to keep track of freshness. By taking these steps, you’ll waste less food, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Tips

  • Keep a clear shelf plan and rotate items so older food is used first.
  • Use transparent containers and avoid refrigerating items like potatoes, garlic, and onions to maintain quality.
  • Use your freezer to preserve leftovers or surplus food, labelling everything to track use-by dates.

Resources

Task sheet: Waste Audit

Factsheet: Recycling options