Food wastage


Americans throw away up to 40 per cent of their food every year, cramming landfills with at least $US165 billion ($158 billion) worth of produce and meats at a time when hundreds of millions of people suffer from chronic hunger globally, according to an analysis from the Natural Resources Defence Council. . . . the average American family of four ends up binning the equivalent of up to $US2,275 worth of food each year. (link)

In Australia, we waste more than $7.1 billion of food each year, with Australian families throwing out $4.1 billion a year, over $1,000 per family per year (so we are doing a little than the Americans).

We really need to do something about food wastage - just imagine how much money families could save if they stopped throwing away leftovers (and found ways of using it) and food that is spoiled (passed its due by date).  Not only would it save money, it would stop filling up our valuable land that could be used for something more useful than landfill. 

Since our own reduction in buying processed foods I have noticed a decline in rubbish - once our bins used to be completely full on bin day, now we struggle to half fill them.  Later in the year I plan to buy a composting bin and that way we will make even less rubbish and be able to use the compost in the vegetable garden. Much of what is thrown into landfill is organic waste, including kitche scraps - perfect for a composting bin.

I have also found that a very small amount of leftovers can be stretched to feed 2 people very well - I am often surprised at how far so little can go!

Five years ago the UK launched "Love Food, Hate Waste" campaign in an attempt to stop households wasting so much food - the campaign started to educate households to only buy what they needed (don't overstock on food that will just go off), cook the correct portion sizes to avoid unwanted leftovers (not everyone eats their leftovers like we do!) and how to store food so it doesn't go off too quickly.  So far they have reduced wastage by 1 million tonnes.  Their website is really quite good (even has some really nice recipes) - worth a visit. http://england.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Comments

  1. That is a LOT of waste, isn't it?!? how awful! Composting really does help reduce waste - and save money - and help our gardens grow better. :)

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    1. If only people thought out it more and realised it was money they were throwing a way they might not do it as much. When I am on leave I will be looking into composting as it will also help with out waste and the garden will love it.

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  2. It is sad to see all the waste from bakeries and food stores as well. Days past, charities would distribute that to needy people but I think that is much harder to do now.
    We actually don't have much in the way of food waste. Our large household cleans up everything and I usually only cook enough, unless doing a double meal to freeze. It is indeed good to hear of people, countries, improving in this area. Perhaps Australia needs such a campaign.

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    1. I have never understood why they can't donate that food to the poor and needy as it isn't off or past its due by date. What a differences it could make.

      It took me a bit of time to get the meals right after our son left home - but now I have it down pat.

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  3. Hi Jo,
    We are a family of 3 adults and I often cook double quantity so I can freeze some. I will cook extra veges one night so we can have a frittata the next night. If we think ahead we can prevent waste.
    Have a good week
    Barb from Australia

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    1. I will do that if I have something going off and needs to be eaten quickly. We also have left over night and eat anything left in the frigde. That can make for an interesting meal!

      Hope your week is going well.

      Blessings:)

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  4. Sweet Jo--
    Those statistics are staggering! Makes me truly ashamed because I know for sure and certain that I am a major contributor:(

    I think I need to promise to do better after reading your great reference--
    Vicki

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