Can you reduce your food waste?

Ellen O’Brien

Do you ever wonder how to keep your fruit and vegetables fresh for longer? Well this challenge might just help.

Corkonians are being encouraged to take on the Stop Food Waste Challenge and to share their results on social media using the hashtag #Knowyourfoodwaste.

This initiative is being run by the EPA in an effort to create awareness about reducing food waste. People in Cork are encouraged to partake in the seven day Stop Food Waste Challenge.

A spokesperson for the EPA said: “Many people in Cork are wasting money by unnecessarily throwing out food. Over 220,000 tonnes of household food waste are produced in Ireland annually.” They added that “households that take action to reduce their food waste can save around €700 annually”.

According to EPA research, fruit and vegetables are the foods people waste the most. They provide tips on how to make them last longer this includes how to store them properly, washing berries only when you’re about to use them, keeping an eye on them in the fridge removing one that are gone bad and only buying the amount that you need.

Food sector businesses can also have an important role in reducing waste as they account for two thirds of food waste generated in Ireland. They can participate in the challenge by signing the Food Waste Charter, pledging to measure their food waste and to take action to reduce it.

EPA food waste expert Odile Le Bolloch outlines the potential benefits of keeping track of food waste. “You can see where you can take action and make savings on your food bill. You can buy less, store it better, eat it or freeze it.

“Our research shows that 88% of people believe everyone has a responsibility to minimise the food we throw away,” she added.

People taking part in the challenge can share their results on social media tagging @stopfoodwaste.ie and @EPAIreland.