Government waste strategy review: a missed opportunity?

Waste matters. It damages our planet and hurts our pockets. Wasted food alone costs every UK household hundreds of pounds a year.

Around seven million tonnes of food end up in landfill in the UK annually, and producing and distributing edible food that goes to waste may account for as much as 5% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions.

Wasted food is deeply unfair too. Tristram Stuart, author of 'Waste' estimates that wasted cereal based foods in the UK and USA would lift 224 million people out of hunger.

Liz Barling of the Food Ethics Council says:

“We welcome today’s announcement that the Government is to review the waste strategy for England.

“Cutting waste reduces our use of natural resources and improves food security. But inequalities in society and our addiction to consumption growth are likely to undo its good effects.

“The resources we save by cutting waste are likely to be put to producing and consuming more things, including more resource-intensive plastic goods, biofuel crops, and textiles.

“Until we confront the causes of our throwaway society, throwing away less – whether it’s food, clothes or packaging - won’t make our lifestyles more sustainable.”

Ends

Notes to editors

1. For more information or interviews, contact Liz Barling on 01273 766 654 or liz@foodethicscouncil.org

2. The Food Ethics Council works towards a food system that is fair and healthy for people and the environment.

3. Our independent advice to business, government and civil society helps find a way through controversial issues and supports better choices in food and farming.

4. Read the experts’ opinions on food waste in our magazine Waste: dishing the dirt, available here