Getting familiar with food waste
WEDNESDAY 20th MARCH 2024
Effective waste management makes sustainability simple, without making a meal of things
The UK has a food waste problem. In fact, according to Business Waste, the UK throws away as much as 9.5 million tonnes of food waste every year, even though 8.4 million people are living in food poverty.
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t waste any food, and taking steps towards better food use can certainly make this more achievable. However, when food waste does occur, it’s important to dispose of it responsibly.
This is particularly true of businesses, who are more likely to produce large quantities of food waste than households or individuals. Let’s take a closer look at the world of food waste, exploring how it impacts UK businesses and what steps can be taken to reduce it.
The impact of food waste on UK businesses
Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s also a financial one, especially for businesses in the hospitality sector.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) estimates that food waste costs the UK hospitality and food service sector around £2.5 billion each year. This staggering figure highlights the need for businesses to address food waste to protect both the planet and their bottom lines.
Food waste contributes to a significant portion of the UK's total waste. This is a problem, because decomposing food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. As such, reducing food waste is crucial in the fight against the climate crisis.
How to reduce food waste in businesses
Conduct a waste audit
Knowledge is power, and the first step towards reducing food waste is understanding its impact. Conducting a waste audit helps businesses identify exactly how much and what types of food are being wasted, which is important in creating an effective waste reduction strategy.
Improve inventory management
A lot of commercial food waste comes from businesses buying more than they need, and failing to use food before it spoils. This is why better inventory management practices are key, such as using first-in-first-out (FIFO) systems and regularly checking stock.
Educate staff
Getting the team on board can help make food waste reduction strategies as effective as possible. It’s important to train staff on the importance of reducing food waste, and on practical ways to put it into practice, to get the biggest impact for your efforts.
Donate surplus food
Unwanted food doesn’t have to go straight in the bin. Donating surplus food to food banks and charities helps reduce food waste while also supporting those in need. The UK has many organisations that accept food donations, like FareShare, The Trussell Trust, and The People’s Kitchen.
Invest in technology
We live in a digital age, and tech can help make food waste reduction simpler and more effective than ever. Inventory management software and apps that connect businesses with surplus food to charities and consumers are just some of the ways tech is changing the game.
The role of consumers in reducing food waste
Businesses have a significant role to play in reducing food waste, but so do consumers. Making more conscious decisions about how we buy, store, and use food can contribute to reducing the amount of food waste created.
There have been many public awareness campaigns and initiatives, like WRAP's "Love Food Hate Waste" campaign, that have spread this message, significantly impacting our habits.
Waste management: don’t waste the opportunity
By adopting more sustainable practices, businesses can play a crucial role in tackling food waste, improving their business practices and the health of the planet. As consumers become more aware of the importance of reducing food waste, there is hope for a more sustainable future where food is valued and not wasted.
Get in touch with Everflow today
Looking for the best waste management business for your needs? You’re in the right place. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your organisation