Eating leftovers can help save families up to £1000 a year, say zero waste campaigners

Eating leftovers can help save families up to £1000 a year, according to zero waste campaigners. Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging people to reduce their food waste to not only save money but also to help the environment as part of a new sustainable living initiative. Research indicates that an average family of four could save up to £1000 annually by maximising the use of leftovers and ensuring food doesn’t go to waste in the fridge. Additionally, households could gain back 2.5 days a year by cutting down on trips to the shops.

The organisation has introduced a new tool to assist Scots in managing food waste efficiently, available for free online. With European Week for Waste Reduction approaching next week, it has been revealed that 59% of all food waste in Scotland originates from individual households. It is estimated that the country discards 2 million slices of bread and enough milk for half a million bowls of cereal each day.

Zero Waste Scotland has launched a Reducing Food Waste at Home bitesize course, providing practical tips on reducing kitchen waste in as little as 15 minutes. TV chef and Love Food Hate Waste Scotland supporter Julie Lin expressed concern about the high percentage of household food waste in Scotland. She highlighted the importance of making small daily changes to combat the issue and recommended starting with the educational course to learn about food waste basics, storage techniques, and money-saving tips.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, stressed the significance of addressing household food waste, noting a disparity between the value people place on food and their wasteful behaviours. Gulland emphasised the willingness of individuals to make a difference and encouraged families to take action to reduce food waste.

The Reducing Food Waste at Home course advises Scots to prevent avoidable food waste such as leftovers and expired food, promote meal-planning to purchase only necessary ingredients, manage portion sizes, and understand date labels. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between “use by” and “best before” labels and recommends discarding food only after the use-by date has passed.

To access the Reducing Food Waste at Home course or learn more about minimising food waste, individuals can visit the Zero Waste Scotland website. This initiative aims to empower families and individuals to make a positive impact on the environment by reducing food waste and adopting sustainable practices. By taking small steps in their daily routines, households can contribute to both saving money and protecting the planet.