A new Federal Government supported campaign has been launched by not-for-profit organisation End Food Waste Australia to help Australians save food, save money, and save the environment.
The average household spends over $2,500 a year on food they end up throwing in the bin.
But a new national campaign, informed by years of nation-leading behavioural science research, will help us cut food waste with a few simple changes.
Better food storage, flexible meal planning and creative use of leftovers are just some of the practical tips suggested.
“Cost of living pressures have Australians looking for ways to save at home, and making the most of their food is one of them,” said Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek.
“Australia is on a mission to halve food waste throughout the supply chain by 2030 – and households are a big part of this journey. Not only does cutting food waste mean more money in our pockets, but it can also help to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and stop 2.5 million tonnes of food waste going to landfill.
“I encourage all Australians, state, territory and local governments, businesses and food rescue organisations to join the fight against food waste. Small changes can make a big difference for our environment and our wallets.
The research shows the average Australian household wastes more than four kilograms of food a week – more than twice the amount they think they do.
Collectively, households around the country are throwing away $19.3 billion a year of uneaten food.
Food waste from farm to fork costs the Australian economy about $36.6 billion per year, with the equivalent of 29 million meals thrown away every single day. Around a third of food waste happens in the home.
It takes a land mass bigger than Victoria to grow all the food that is unused in Australia each year.
This waste is responsible for around three per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and is a huge tax on our land and water resources.
The campaign is an important part of Australia’s goal to halve food waste by 2030, outlined in the National Food Waste Strategy.
Read more about the campaign: thegreatunwaste.com.au