We’re all guilty of splurging a little too much at Christmas, but a new report has found that the average Scottish household throws away 18% of the food it buys over the festive period.
Scotland’s throw away habits contribute to £16 billion worth of food waste in the UK and £485 million at Christmas time alone.
The report, by Wren Kitchens, found that Northern Ireland is the UK’s most wasteful region, throwing away 22% of food bought for the festive season and 20% of food throughout the rest of the year.
Tips to help reduce waste this time of year include:
1. Don’t over buy. Write a list before you go shopping and never enter a supermarket on an empty stomach. This planning will allow you to stay strict and only buy what you know you will use.
2. Check the use-by dates of fresh food. Try and get the longest date possible, allowing you more time to consume the product.
3. Plan ahead. Try and plan your meals for the week ahead. If possible also include meals made from any leftovers.
4. Freeze your food. Cooking fresh and freezing any food you will not use, is a great way to make food go further. Always make sure you follow advice though before freezing/ defrosting any food.
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