The Love Food, Hate Waste Challenge
Join Dacorum Borough Council’s Love Food, Hate Waste Challenge and help the planet as well as your bank account.
A third of the food that is produced in the world goes to waste. In the UK, 70% of the food that is wasted is done so at home, but more than half of this could have been prevented.
It takes water, land, energy, fuel and packaging to produce the food we all love and buy. When this goes uneaten, all the resources that went into bringing that food to our plates is wasted too. A land area the size of Wales would need to be cleared to produce the food that is wasted in the UK alone. Globally this is resulting in the deforestation and destruction of whole ecosystems as wildlife habitats are being destroyed.
Food waste in landfill breaks down into methane, a greenhouse gas which is 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. The emissions associated with the food we waste at home is equivalent to taking one in four cars off our roads in the UK.
Food waste can also cost the average family of four over £800 a year – think what you could do with that money instead! Whether you live in a packed household, or make meals for one, the food waste challenge is an eye-opening experience for all and will equip you with the skills you need to get food waste savvy in your kitchen.
Participating in the challenge is free and easy. Throughout the month you’ll be provided with all the tips and tricks necessary to help you cut down on food waste. You’ll receive regular emails with expert advice, plus a free goody bag too. All you have to do is keep a food waste diary and complete a quick survey before and after the challenge. By completing the challenge and surveys you will be automatically entered into the prize draw to win a blender!
Over 90% of previous participants adopted new food waste behaviours after what they learned during the challenge. They also reported that they reduced the amount of food they wasted by half!
Even the most food savvy people will be surprised by how much food they can save. A previous participant, Lynette, said: ‘I signed up knowing that I didn’t waste much edible food, but I was intrigued to see what the challenge involved as there is always something new to learn. I have been so very impressed by the items sent through and just how much fun and passion has been communicated by the emails. I hope those who were wasting edible food have seen just how easy it is not to. You have given much food for thought and inspiration to everyone, thank you. I hope others will have found it as positive an experience as I have.’
The Love Food Hate Waste Challenge runs from Monday 4 November to Sunday 1 December. To register, email recycle@dacorum.gov.uk with your full name and address by Sunday 3 November.
For more information, visit: www.dacorum.gov.uk/lovefood.