The Love Food Hate Waste campaign has been created to cut down the 6.7m tonnes of mostly edible food which ends up in the bin following research into levels of food waste carried out by WRAP (The Waste & Resources Action Programme).

Most of the food thrown away ends up in landfill where it produces methane and an estimated 15m tonnes of carbon emissions are produced by the energy needed to produce, package, and transport uneaten food.

“It is sad that so much food is being wasted needlessly,” said Dr Liz Goodwin, chief executive of WRAP. “At a cost of £8bn a year, it is a serious issue that not only impacts the environment but our pockets too.

“Our research showed that 90% of consumers are completely unaware of the amount of food they throw away.”

The Love Food Hate Waste campaign aims to raise awareness of the issue with consumers and provide information on what simple steps can be taken to combat the problem.

Defra minister Joan Ruddock, who is responsible for recycling and waste, said: “Food production and consumption has a serious impact on the environment.

“There is a lot individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint, including reducing their food waste.

“This campaign will show them how easy this can be, and that it makes financial and environmental sense.”

TV chef Ainsley Harriott is among the celebrities backing the campaign.

“The amount of food we throw away is criminal and we all need to take action and start changing our behaviour,” he said.

“You don’t have to be a chef to know how to cut down on food waste. You just need to care about your food and your pocket and the rest will follow.”

A range of advice for cutting down on food waste can be found at the Love Food Hate Waste website.

Kate Martin

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