Ealing Council signs up to a national voluntary agreement to tackle the millions of tonnes of food that are wasted every year.
What’s involved with the UK Food & Drink Pact
The council has committed to supporting the reduction of local food waste, tackling food and drink related carbon emissions and promoting responsible water management.
Ealing Council has long championed local initiatives to support sustainable food practices. Projects have included community food redistribution, promoting waste-busting food practices, food waste collection services and encouraging local schools to adopt sustainable food practices.
The UK Food and Drink Pact, signed by the council, is a voluntary agreement led by WRAP who are working to create a sustainable and fair food and drink system. The pact is supported by government organisations, brands, retailers and producers in the food and drink industry.
Schools saving money with better food waste practices
Ealing Council has been working with schools to support them in adopting food waste collections in their waste management practices. In their first year, Our Lady of the Visitation Primary will have saved 3 tonnes of food waste from their general rubbish bins. This was made possible with practical assistance from Sustainability Managers for Schools to adapt canteen procedures.
Kathleen Coll, Headteacher, commented: ”Not only have we saved money in this switch, but we are also tackling climate change. Before, our food waste was just going to landfill or incineration. Now our food waste is being turned into compost, liquid fertiliser, fuel and electricity. The pupils are delighted to have made such a positive change.”
Discover your food waste caddy
Every resident in Ealing could make the same switch which would mean not spending as much money on waste collection. Putting food waste in the general rubbish is a lot more expensive than putting it in a food caddie where it is turned into energy and compost. That’s just in terms of cash costs, then there is the added bonus of cutting carbon emissions which lead to climate change and a future where growing food will be a lot more difficult.
Make the most of your food
Every year, the UK throws away over 10 million tonnes of food1 – enough to fill more than 4,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This food could have gone into meals to feed thousands of people and saved valuable resources like water, energy and land.
Local projects like the Felix Project, City Harvest and Community Fridge alongside food sharing apps like Olio are brilliant initiatives that everyone can get involved in.
Then there are the everyday sustainable cooking practices and eating habits that save money and support better health.
It’s a community effort
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Joining the UK Food and Drink Pact demonstrates Ealing Council’s commitment to connecting our communities to promote best practice that will save money, reduce waste and empower us to tackle the climate crisis together.”
Ealing Council is inviting everyone who lives, works or learns in the borough to touch through My Account with any ideas to promote sustainable food practices across our communities.
Keep an eye on progress and tips to tackle food waste by visiting: www.instagram.com/ealingrecycles
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