Food waste costs your wallet and the environment.
Food waste is a serious problem all year round and is one that blows out over the Christmas period.
Money
The average Australian household throws out 20% of the food they purchase. That's 1 in 5 shopping bags or more shockingly, around $1500 every year.
Food waste is an avoidable financial cost and is one area where you can reduce your Christmas financial stress.
Environmental impact
When food waste is sent to landfill, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
The impact of food waste also includes the energy, fuel and water used to grow food that may not be used. As most people consume food purchased from a retailer, the energy and fuel usage extends (but is not limited to) transportation, refrigeration and packaging.
Planning
- Plan your meals and check your fridge and pantry before shopping
- Write a shopping list and stick to it
- Use up food from your freezer the week before to make room for leftovers
Storage
- Get leftovers (especially seafood) into the fridge as soon as you can
- Carve up ham, pick off chicken and turkey pieces so they are easy to eat over the next few days
- Food that needs to be eaten first should be moved to the front of the fridge
Avoid feeding your bin
- Let guests serve themselves for perfect portions with no waste
- Extend the Christmas cheer! Feed delicious leftovers to friends and neighbours
- Make your leftovers go further. Check out these recipe ideas from Taste, and Delicious.
Can your food be eaten?
There is a difference between USE BY and BEST BEFORE dates.
Use-by dates are often labelled on fresh high protein foods such as dairy, meat and seafood. These dates should be observed. With other foods the expiry dates are often Best Before and are an indication of food quality NOT safety. Click here for more information.
Composting
Your compost bin will love food but it should NOT be treated as an alternative ‘waste bin’.
Avoiding food waste really is the priority. Composting is for food scraps (eg fruit and veggie peelings), and can play a significant role in preventing food waste ending up in landfill.