Reducing the amount of food we waste is crucial to tackle the climate emergency. Wasting food has a big carbon footprint, due to the amount of energy used for its production, manufacture, storage and, when wasted, unnecessary disposal. The impact is so great that if food waste were a country, it would have the third biggest carbon footprint after the USA and China!

With 70% of food waste (post-farm gate) in the UK coming from households, we can all play a key role in being part of the solution. And along with putting a strain on the planet's resources, our wallets are also feeling the consequences. Overall, the average UK family wastes £720 per year in food.

Making simple changes to your household food shopping and cooking habits can really help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money. From planning your meals for the week ahead, storing food correctly, getting creative with your leftovers to checking the temperature of your fridge to keep your food cool, make a difference from your kitchen by taking action on food waste.

Actions you can take

Get clued up on the reality and impacts of household food waste and take the steps to avoid food waste at home
Get involved in volunteering
Donate surplus homegrown veggies to one of Cambridge’s 9 community food hubs as part of our Grow a Row scheme
Make your own compost at home with your veggie scraps - learn about the wonders of compost with our Tales from the Compost heap series
Recycle unavoidable food waste in your green bin
Cut waste when you eat out - order what you need, take a doggy bag home