EPA calls on Louth people to take the Stop Food Waste Challenge
EPA calls on people in Louth to identify the food they waste the most and to take action with StopFoodWaste.ie
Friday 1st March was National Stop Food Waste Day, and the EPA wants to encourage the people of Louth to take the seven day Stop Food Waste challenge.
Many people in Louth are wasting money by unnecessarily throwing out food. Over 220,000 tonnes of household food waste are produced in Ireland annually.
Food is a precious and valuable resource. Reducing food waste can save money and is an important climate action that can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Households that take action to reduce their food waste can save around €700 annually.
Food sector businesses have an important role to play too as nearly two thirds of food waste in Ireland is generated from businesses. These businesses can take part in the Stop Food Waste Day challenge by signing the Food Waste Charter, pledging to measure their food waste and taking action to reduce it.
EPA food waste expert Odile Le Bolloch explains: “Our research shows that 88% of people believe everyone has a responsibility to minimise the food we throw away. We are challenging you now to take the seven day Stop Food Waste Challenge, and get to know what food you waste the most by recording it for one week.
"There is a Weekly Food Waste Recording Sheet on Stopfoodwaste.ie to record your results that will show which types of food you wasted the most. By knowing what food you 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.”
According to EPA research, 39% of people say fruit is the food they waste the most, and 38% say vegetables. Storing fruit and vegetables properly will keep them fresh for longer. Wash berries only when you are about to use them, store them in the fridge and keep an eye on them, removing any that are going bad. Try to only buy the amount you need - a large bag of spuds is only good value if they are eaten.
With a small amount of effort, you can cut your food waste and your food bill! Check out StopFoodWaste.ie for tips and information and follow on social media for updates.
Whether you're joining the EPA on the seven-day challenge, or you’re a business signing up to the Food Waste Charter, the EPA wants to hear how you get on.
So come on Louth take the Stop Food Waste Challenge and share your results on social media by using the hashtag #KnowYourFoodWaste and tagging @stopfoodwaste.ie and @EPAIreland.