Think twice before throwing food in the bin

This is because organic waste going to landfill produces methane, which makes a massive contribution to climate change, many times more than carbon dioxide. 

In addition to rotting, there are other emissions related to production, distribution, and transportation of food that goes to waste when food ends up in landfill. 

To put it in a local context, close to 60 percent of Wellington’s household waste to landfill is organic! And on average, Wellingtonians spend almost $600 a year per household on uneaten food that goes to landfill. 

NZ’s top 10 most wasted foods:

1. Bread 
2. Leftovers 
3. Oranges 
4. Apples 
5. Bananas 
6. Potatoes 
7. Chicken 
8. Rice 
9. Lettuce 
10. Beef 

Based on this, there is a significant potential to curb our environmental footprint (and save money and resources) from our homes. 

Research shows that consumer decisions and habits rank high when it comes to food waste. In other words, each one of us can make a difference by being more conscious about our food waste. 

Handy tips to reduce food waste

Here are a few easy tricks to help your household cut down on those commonly wasted foods:

Use your leftovers – This can save money and time in the kitchen, just remember the handy 2 two rule: 2 hours to get leftovers in the fridge, eat them within 2 days or within 2 months if it's in the freezer, and always heat until piping hot.

Store bread in the fridge or freezer – this will ensure your bread stays edible for longer. For the best results, make sure your fridge is set to 5 degrees or cooler. And don’t forget to share any extra food with friends or neighbours!

More ideas and recipes – check out lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz.

Compost at home –  to divert unavoidable food waste such as fruit and vege cores and peels, compost or bokashi at home if you can. Check out our webpage about composting for advice to get you started.  

Can't compost at home? Alternatively, you can use the ShareWaste app to connect with local composters, or visit kaicycle.org.nz to explore their options for taking food scraps.