WRAP’s Food Waste Action Week takes place this week (17 to 23 March).
This year's campaign encourages people to continue buying loose fruit and vegetables to save money by reducing food waste and avoiding plastic waste.
According to WRAP, fresh fruit and vegetables make up the largest proportion of UK household food waste. Each year, UK households throw away 1.7 million tonnes of edible fruit and vegetables, mainly because they are not used in time.
Research from Love Food Hate Waste has shown that if all apples, bananas and potatoes were sold loose, 8.2 million shopping baskets worth of food waste could be prevented every year.
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Cabinet lead for waste, said:
“With WRAP research showing food waste costing on average £1,000 for a household of four every year, shopping for loose produce will help shoppers to save money, and waste less food.
“WRAP’s research tells us that by removing the packaging on uncut fresh fruit and veg, it allows us to buy only what we will use, save money and avoid unnecessary packaging.”
Natasha Dix, service director for environment and waste, said:
"Buying loose fruit and vegetables can make a big difference in reducing food waste.
"With loose produce on offer in shops, plastic waste is reduced. This simple change can also prevent tonnes of CO2 emissions, making a real impact on the environment.
“And remember, as a last resort, we collect your food waste every week. Your food waste is used to create electricity and compost through a process called anaerobic digestion.”
Food waste is collected weekly at the kerbside. Please remove all plastic packaging from food before placing it in your food caddy.
Top tip: keep your caddy clean by lining with newspaper, compostable or thin carrier bags. No food caddy? You can order an indoor and outside food caddy online or by calling (01983) 823777.
Simple ways to help you to save money on your food shop (courtesy of Love Food Hate Waste):
- Steer clear of pre-prepared fruit and veg. It’s easier but you’ll pay a premium for it and it usually comes covered in plastic wrap.
- Food will last much longer when it’s stored correctly. This makes it easier to eat everything before it goes off. Store most fresh produce in the fridge — it'll last longer.
- Save money on food by making the most of what you buy. Aim to eat every edible morsel — for example, keeping the skins on carrots and potatoes (they’re also full of nutrients).
To find out more about Food Waste Action Week and try out some tasty recipes using your leftovers, visit Love Food Hate Waste’s website
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