A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency
Urgent action is needed on food waste. Food waste has huge economic, social and environmental impacts.
The UN estimates that around one third of the world’s food is lost or wasted, and production of this wasted food generates 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions. That is more than is produced by any individual country, except the US and China.
Food waste releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. And that’s not the only problem. Throwing food away also means that all the resources that have been used to produce it have been wasted. This can include things such as the water and land that have been used as well as transport and packaging.
Research has found that just under 30 per cent of people in the UK don’t see a link between food waste and climate change.
Most food waste happens at home, but it’s a problem in workplaces too. And things like long working hours, shift work, long commutes and poor work-life-balance can have a knock-on effect on food waste at home. Because they can mean that people don’t have enough time to plan and prepare meals to reduce waste.
Food waste is also hurting people’s wallets. An average family throws away more than £700 worth of food per year.
The impact of food choices
As well as the food we waste, the types of food we choose to eat can have a big impact on the environment too. The British Dietetic Association has produced a helpful fact sheet about sustainable diets and also has a handy list of quick tips on getting started.
Does your workplace have a canteen or organise events with catering? There could be opportunities to make a difference by including more sustainable options in the foods offered.
Food waste – a checklist:
- Are management and members aware of the link between food waste and climate change?
- Does your workplace offer separate collection facilities for food waste? From 6 April 2024 all workplaces in Wales must collect food waste separately.
- What facilities are available for workers to store, prepare and consume food or drink while at work?
- Is there a workplace canteen, cafe or shop? How much food waste is generated and what action is being taking action to reduce food waste?
- Are there opportunities to contribute to food redistribution schemes? Community - fareshare.cymru Community Fridge circularcommunities.cymru/community-fridge and food sharing apps etc.
- Are there opportunities for onsite compositing?
- Does the workplace offer a good work-life balance and flexible working options?
Food waste resources:
The Wasting Food: It’s out of date campaign and www.lovefoodhatewaste.com have resources aimed at raising awareness with individuals
WRAP has a suite of free resources available on food waste prevention in the workplace.
WRAP Cymru It has a new ‘Food Waste Reduction Roadmap Toolkit’ aimed at organisations in the food and drink sector
And it has produced a specific food waste hierarchy