Tackling Food Waste

Food waste is a huge problem - it is estimated that we waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food each year across the world. This contributes 8% of global carbon emissions. Throwing food away means that all the resources and energy that is needed to produce, transport, and cook it is wasted too. It's also a waste of the money you spent on it.

So what can you do? Check out the tips below, as well as our Zero Waste Cooking Series for ideas of recipes that don't waste food.

• Plan your meals before you go shopping, so you are only buying ingredients that you need
• While you are shopping, opt for 'wonky' veg which might be cheaper. They'll taste the same, even if they don't look as pretty.
• Know what different date labels mean - for example, food should not be eaten after its USE BY date, but most food is safe to eat after its BEST BEFORE date. Find out more here.
• Understand how to best store food to make it last longer. Here is Love Food Hate Waste’s A-Z guide on food storage.
• Enjoy your leftovers! Keep leftovers in clear containers in your fridge or freezer, or label jars so it's easier to remember what you have.
• Be aware of your portion sizes: smaller portions lead to less food being scraped into the bin.
• If you are throwing food scraps or leftovers away, dispose of it in the proper food waste bin. Edinburgh Council collects this food waste to make fertiliser, and converts ito to make electricity. You can request a food waste bin from the council you don't have one.