Buy loose and local says Councils
Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils will be encouraging residents to cut their food waste next week as part of Food Action Week.
From 18 March the councils will be highlighting the benefits of buying fruit and vegetables loose instead of packaged as part of the “Choose What You’ll Use” campaign organised by Love Food Hate Waste.
Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Excellence, Cllr Jan Davis, said:
“Research from Love Food Hate Waste has shown we could reduce food waste by 60,000 tonnes just by buying loose fruit and veg. Buying loose also significantly cuts down on packaging too, it really is one simple thing you can do to make a big difference.”
On Monday, the national campaign kicks off with the unveiling of the celebrity ambassador, who will be bringing a surprise musical shopping experience to customers choosing to buy loose. Social media posts, including quizzes and more, will be going out all week on the councils' channels.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Safer Environment, Cllr Keith Kiddie, said:
“Overall about one third of the world’s food is thrown away, which is a shocking statistic, especially when you think of all the resources it takes to grow and transport it. Producing food creates C02, speeding up climate change and it uses up land which reduces biodiversity. Buying loose is one way we can take more responsibility and help reduce food waste.”
Since 2021, Food Waste Action Week has been connecting businesses, government organisations and global partners to increase awareness about the devastating impact food waste is having on the planet. Last year over 8 million people heard about the campaign in the UK, with 162 organisations taking part, and 12 countries supporting it.
Find out more on the Food Waste Action Week website.