LONDON, 2016-Apr-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Representatives from towns and communities across the UK gathered in Derby to pledge to cut their food waste as part of Sainsbury’s Waste less, Save more initiative. The event brought over 35 towns together for the first time to spur on their shared objective to tackle food waste in their area while saving money.
- UK communities rally together for the first time as part of Waste less, Save more
- Over 35 towns from 22 counties pledge to reduce their food waste at Derby event as part of Sainsbury’s £10 million investment to cut food waste
- Key speakers include leading waste experts from OLIO, Hubbub and FoodCycle to inspire hundreds to waste less food and save each household £350 a year
Covering 22 counties, attendees included representatives from Brighton and Cambridge through to Oldham and Durham. The event was part of Sainsbury’s five year Waste less, Save more plan to help households across the country significantly reduce their food waste. The passion from these communities scattered across the UK shows the united desire to cut food waste which on average costs each household £700 a year.
The event was the first step on our journey to empower towns up and down the country to reduce food waste, on the day they heard from some of the leading experts in waste, got their hands on the latest technology such as a ‘smarter’ bin and fridge and tasted products made from surplus food. The interactive displays gave attendees insight into the small changes that could be done at home.
Speaking at the event, Sainsbury’s Head of Sustainability, Paul Crewe was joined by leaders from the most creative businesses in the fight against food waste, including Clare Skelton from FoodCycle, a charity who source and prepare surplus food to feed those affected by food poverty; Michael Barsties from food-sharing app OLIO; and Trewin Restorick from Hubbub, a social enterprise focusing on sustainability.
Paul Crewe, Sainsbury’s Head of Sustainability, said: “This event is the first step in galvanising nationwide support to drastically cut down the amount of food we throw away. I was impressed to hear what communities up and down the country are already doing and I hope these towns feel empowered to do a lot more.”
Jackie Young from Plymouth said: “Running a green campaign can often be very lonely, the challenge is huge and progress is often slow. This event was a heartening reminder that we aren’t alone in our quest to reduce food waste and that communities across the UK are determined to make real change. I’m looking forward to working with others in the South West to help our residents cut down on their waste for the betterment of their finances as well as the environment.”
Clare Skelton from FoodCycle spoke at the event and added: “We can all be guilty of throwing away good food, however it only takes a little bit of creativity to save it going in the bin. For example, we are often using stale bread to make croutons to serve with soups and salads, or make it into bread and butter pudding. Fruit that is old or bruised is perfect to make a delicious smoothie or compote.”
Waste less, Save more started with Sainsbury’s nationwide search for one community to lead the charge on reducing household food waste. Swadlincote in South Derbyshire beat off 188 other applications including today’s attendees to pioneer the project and receive £1 million investment over 12 months to trial some of the latest ideas and technology in reducing waste.
As a result of the trial, the retailer is aiming to cut household food waste by 50% within 12 months, which means a saving of £350 a year for every household in Swadlincote.
Since the initiative began in January, residents of Swadlincote have trialled fridge thermometers, leftovers label stickers, the food sharing app Olio, smarter kitchen appliances as well as an education programme for school children. £300,000 has just been awarded as part of the investment to fund local projects such as ‘food saver champions’, bin stickers and a ‘community fridge’ which will be the first in the UK. As part of Sainsbury’s five year plan the best ideas will be used as a blueprint for towns across the UK.
For all the latest news and food tips visit www.sainsburys.co.uk/waste and follow #WasteLessSaveMore
For corporate press enquiries please contact press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 020 7695 7295.
Source: J. Sainsbury plc
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