Reducing Food Waste is the Climate Action YOU can do three times a day, as well as saving you money.
Reducing food waste is one of the most effective actions you can undertake to address climate change – it’s simple, it’s free and makes a real difference.
The EPA are challenging everyone to reduce food waste in order to combat climate change.
Do you stop and think when you scrape half-full plates into your waste bin; or throw away food that has been lurking at the back of the fridge?
Not only are we wasting food, but also the resources used to produce, transport and supply it. All of this waste causes unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and scientists estimate that food waste produces up to 10% of all global carbon emissions. In terms of addressing climate change, reducing food waste is an action in which everyone can become involved.
You might be surprised to learn that reducing food waste is one of the most important day-to-day actions we can take, to tackle climate change and it won’t cost you anything. In Ireland over 200,000 tonnes of food is wasted at home, and this waste has a greater impact on the environment given the energy consumed in processing, transport, packaging and preparation. To help you to reduce your food waste the EPA have some great tips and advice, with same available to view HERE.
Ms Mary Frances Rochford (EPA Programme Manager) has stated:
“We talk about climate change and the need for action, but often it is hard to know where to start. Reducing food waste is an immediate and effective way to reduce your personal carbon footprint. If every household in Ireland takes steps to reduce their food waste, this would be a great achievement towards reducing our national footprint. We as a nation are best when we work together to tackle issues and collectively, our individual actions will make a real difference.”
More than one quarter of all food produced is wasted worldwide. Here, in Ireland, we generate more than one million tonnes of food waste every year, with same representing a carbon footprint as high as 3.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The EPA has three simple steps that individuals and families can take to get started in your food waste battle:
(1) Make a shopping list, and stick to it.
(2) Make the most of the food you buy; don’t forget the leftovers.
(3) If and when plans change, freeze your food and use it later.
We are encouraging everyone to join us in our Stop Food Waste pledge to go a week without wasting food.
Ms Rochford added: “As part of the Climate Action Plan, Ireland has committed to halving food waste by 2030. We will do this by working with food producers; retailers and restaurants; but we also need every person in Ireland to take their own action. So make the pledge, get involved and begin to reduce the food you currently waste.”
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