Based on new data, estimates of household food and drink waste in Scotland have been revised.
- Household food and drink waste arisings in Scotland in 2012 are estimated to be around 630,000 tonnes. Of this, 380,000 tonnes (60%) was avoidable – had purchases been planned, stored, or prepared differently, then this food and drink could have been consumed.
- The purchase cost of avoidable food and drink waste was approximately £1.1 billion. This is money we pay for food and drink that could have been eaten but ends up being thrown away. This is equivalent to £470 per household per year, or £39 per household per month.
- Avoidable food and drink waste also accounts for 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) emissions.
The report can be download from the link: Updated Household Food and Drink Waste Estimates for Scotland
This report first explains the different methods used to calculate food and drink waste in Scotland and the UK as a whole in the past, and to the challenges associated with analysing changes in Scotland over time. It then gives more detail on the 2012 estimates. The next section explores what we can tell about changes over time, including the limits of what can be concluded.
Additionally, a new campaign that seeks to demonstrate that by making small changes and reducing the amount of food thrown away families can save an average of nearly £40 a month and do their bit for the environment.
Please follow the link to find out more: Greener Scotland Campaign
Source: Zero Waste Scotland