More than four in five Irish people are concerned about the level of food waste in their household, while 94 per cent of homes are throwing food out, according to new research from SuperValu.
The research was commissioned as part of the company’s Take Local Action, Make Global Impact campaign which aims to showcase the small actions we can all take to make a collective global impact.
Ireland generated a massive 753,000 tonnes of food waste in 2021 according to the Environmental Protection Agency, of which 29 per cent is from households, amounting to 44kg of food waste per person on an annual basis. Food waste costs the average Irish household about €700 per year. New research commissioned by SuperValu reveals 82 per cent of people in Ireland are concerned about food waste in their household and 80 per cent of those would like to reduce their food waste.
Spoilage, expiration and overbuying are the three most common reasons for food waste in Irish households according to this research. While most people are making a conscious effort to reduce their food waste only 44 per cent said they do a weekly meal plan, 36 per cent said they portion correctly and only 32 per cent regularly use leftovers.
SuperValu has identified some local actions that can make a global impact and is on a mission to help customers build some of these actions into their daily routines.
Local actions
Cut food waste – plan meals in advance.
Recycle as much as possible and recycle correctly.
Bring a reusable cup for beverages.
Grow your own veg in the garden or on the windowsill.
Shop local, Irish and in season.
One meat free day per week.
Give one hour each week to your local Tidy Towns group.
Take action by being more inclusive in your local GAA clubs and community.
