Did you know a third of food produced globally is wasted?
At City Harvest London, we believe in the value of every meal. But did you know that 1.4 billion tonnes of food goes to waste globally each year? That’s a staggering statistic, especially when so many people are facing food insecurity. As we focus on sustainability and reducing the amount of wasted food, it’s crucial to understand and get a feel for which foods are wasted most and how we can change our behaviours for the better.
Here are the top 10 contributors to wasted food, plus some tips on how to reduce their waste:
1. Bread
This staple is the top contributor to wasted food as it too often ends up in the bin. Freeze what you can’t eat and make croutons or breadcrumbs out of stale bread.
2. Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh produce is beautiful, but it has a short shelf life. Plan meals around what you have and consider buying “wonky” fruits and veggies that are perfectly good but just a little misshapen.
3. Milk
One of those items you always have in the fridge, but it can go off quicker than you may think. Keep an eye on the expiry date, then perhaps consider using powdered milk for baking or cooking.
4. Rice and Pasta
These staples just seem to sit in the pantry forever, but then when cooked, a lot goes uneaten and contributes to food waste. Cook smaller portions or be creative with leftovers in new dishes.
5. Eggs
These are easy to forget because they’re so versatile. Keep checking the fridge and make frittatas or dishes that feature eggs as main courses to use them up.
6. Cheese
While it might seem indulgent, cheese can mould if not consumed in time. Use it in sauces, salads, or as a topping for baked dishes.
7. Potatoes Often End Up Wasted Food!
They last fairly long, but the minute they begin to grow sprouts and go green, out they go into the trash. Storage should be cool and dark, and eaten often.
8. Herbs
Fresh herbs go off very quickly. Freeze extra herbs in oil for later use, adding a great touch in your cooking.
9. Cereal
A product liked and eaten for breakfast but soon goes stale. Get creative and place the cereal in snack bars or as a crunch topping for yogurt.
10. Takeaway Containers Contribute to Wasted Food!
We all love a good takeaway, but eventually, the leftovers get left to their own devices. Reinvent your meals with leftovers mixed with fresh ingredients to create a completely new dish.
You CAN make a difference!
As we rise to the challenge of food waste, let’s not forget that little changes in practice can make a big impact. At City Harvest, we’re committed to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need. Join us in spreading the word about sustainability and be part of the solution! Additionally, you can see here how food wate has an impact on the planet and how City Harvest are tackling the issue!
Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives, and let’s work together to create a more sustainable future—one meal at a time!
City Harvest Rescues the Planet
City Harvest’s food rescue mission helps to prevent needless GHG emissions from food waste in landfill. Learn more about how our planet-friendly operation, and how you can help!
