Food waste is a global problem that has become increasingly concerning in recent years.
Food waste is defined as any food that is discarded, whether it be at the production, retail, or consumer level. Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food, or a third of all food produced for human consumption, is wasted every year.
This is a huge amount of food that is being thrown away, resulting in an immense amount of resources being wasted in the production of this food. Not only is this a huge environmental burden, but it is also a major economic burden. Around 40% of food waste generated in the UK is currently disposed of via landfill. With the global population growing, it is increasingly important to reduce food waste. Doing so would not only help reduce the amount of resources being wasted, but it would also help combat food insecurity and help ensure that food is being used in a more responsible and sustainable way. There are several ways in which food waste can be reduced, one of which is exploring the recent trend of using wonky vegetables.
Wonky vegetables are defined as vegetables that are considered 'imperfect in terms of size, shape, or appearance, but which are still edible and nutritious. In recent years, there has been an increase in the amount of wonky vegetables being sold in supermarkets, restaurants, and other food establishments. This is a positive step in reducing food waste, as it allows for vegetables that may have otherwise been discarded to be sold and used.
Using wonky vegetables is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps reduce food waste, as it allows for vegetables that may not have been deemed suitable for sale to be used instead of being thrown away. Secondly, it helps reduce the cost of food, as wonky vegetables tend to be cheaper than 'perfect ones. This is beneficial for both businesses and consumers, as it allows them to save money on ingredients. Third, it helps promote sustainability, as it allows for the use of resources that may otherwise have been wasted. In addition to using wonky vegetables, there are other ways to reduce food waste. One effective way is to plan meals ahead of time, so that you know exactly how much food you need and can avoid buying too much. This is especially useful if you are cooking for a large group of people.
Additionally, it is important to store food properly and to use leftovers in creative ways. This could mean using them in new recipes, freezing them for later use, or donating them to a local food bank. Finally, it is important to be mindful of your food consumption. This means not buying more food than you need, but also not throwing food away unnecessarily.
On a normal day in the UK, the average household tosses £2 worth of food in the bin.
Over the course of a year, that adds up to £728 so it is important to be mindful of how much food you are buying and using and to be aware of how much food you are throwing away.
Food waste is a global problem that has become increasingly concerning in recent years. Reducing waste is essential in order to ensure that resources are being used in a more responsible and sustainable way. One effective way to reduce food waste is to explore the recent trend of using wonky vegetables. We believe in working together as a community to try to solve this crisis. We offer affordable, delicious meals all produced using the waste conscious methods seen above.
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