From 18 – 24 March, Food Waste Action Week is happening across the UK. 

The initiative shines a spotlight on the issue of food wastage, urging the communities across Manchester and the UK to reflect on their food habits and make more sustainable choices.  

With millions of tonnes of food thrown away annually in the UK, the need for change has never been more urgent. That’s not good for your pockets – or the planet. 

Here are seven practical tips to help you contribute to a more sustainable future. 

1. Plan your meals: Start by planning your weekly meals. This simple step ensures you only buy what you need, reducing the likelihood of food going unused and eventually wasted. 
2. Understand food labels: Misinterpreting ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates is a common cause of food waste. Take time to learn what these labels mean, and you’ll find yourself throwing away less food. 
3. Smart storage: Correctly storing food can significantly extend its freshness. Research the best ways to store different types of food, and you might be surprised at how much longer your groceries last. 
4. Love your leftovers: Leftovers can be the basis for a new meal. Get creative in the kitchen and find ways to give yesterday’s dinner a delicious makeover. 
5. Portion control: Cooking or serving too much food is a common issue. Be mindful of portion sizes to ensure you’re only preparing what will be eaten. 
6. Compost food scraps: Instead of throwing food scraps in the bin, compost them. This not only reduces waste but also provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden. 
7. Get involved locally: Participate in community initiatives focused on reducing food waste. Whether it’s a composting workshop or seeking out talks on sustainable food practices, getting involved can amplify your impact. 

By adopting just a couple of these tips, you can play a part in reducing food waste.  

Remember, every small action counts towards a larger, collective impact – to quote that famous supermarket catchphrase, ‘Every little helps’. 

For further resources, recipes and tips on reducing food waste, the website www.lovefoodhatewaste.com is an excellent place to start.  

Thanks for reading.