Central West Councils are tackling the food waste crisis by creating an online recipe book inspired by community members.
The members of the NetWaste waste management network, are calling on individuals, local schools, community groups and businesses to get involved by sharing their favourite leftovers-inspired recipes, plus any tips and ideas about practical ways to reduce food waste.
Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee Chair Cr David Mallard said food waste was a global issue with local solutions.
"Each year the average Australian household throws away $2500 worth of food, the equivalent to one in five shopping bags, and yet 5 million Australians experience food insecurity each year, one quarter of these are children," Cr Mallard said.
The majority of Australia's food waste comes from our homes (2.5 million tonnes per year), with organic waste making up approximately 48 per cent of the contents of the average general waste bin in the Central West.
"When food is sent to landfill, it not only wastes all the resources it took to grow, package, transport, sell and prepare the food, but as it breaks down, noxious greenhouse gases are released,'' Cr Mallard said.
The NetWaste 'Love Your Leftovers' initiative is a cross community collaboration tackling food waste one plate at a time. If any member of the community has a great recipe idea they would be willing to share, or even some practical ideas on reducing food waste, Orange City Council
would love to hear from them.
Locals can submit your recipe online:
Submissions close on Friday 25th November 2022.
Once completed, the online recipe book will be free to download from Orange City Council's website and will be a valuable tool in helping residents find inspiration and ideas to reduce food waste and transform leftovers into nutritious, delicious dishes.
