The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has joined forces with The Great Unwaste to help Australians reduce food waste and make a positive impact on the planet and their pockets.
The national initiative, led by End Food Waste Australia, encourages households to take simple, everyday actions to keep food out of the bin and avoid unnecessary waste. The partnership is designed to promote the behaviour change campaign to all NSW councils.
NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel said this mission complements the EPA's work through its popular Love Food Hate Waste program and supports its goal to halve food waste in NSW by 2030.
"Food waste is a serious environmental issue that costs Australians billions each year and contributes significantly to harmful greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Chappel said.
"The Great Unwaste gives people a simple and powerful way to take action on climate change from their kitchen. It offers easy and practical tips to cut food waste at home, such as planning your meals for the week or correctly storing and eating leftovers.
"Since 2013, the NSW Government has invested more than $100 million to help councils and businesses better manage food waste, with more than half of NSW councils now offering a FOGO service to residents.
"While composting and FOGO help divert waste from landfill, around 57% of food waste is actually edible – so let's keep it out of the bin altogether.
"This campaign aims to close the loop by showing communities how to avoid food waste in the first place."
The Great Unwaste Campaign Director Mandy Hall said the initiative is about making food waste prevention easy, accessible and motivating.
"We throw away the equivalent of 7.7 million meals every day in Australia, but together, we can turn that around," Ms Hall said.
"Australians want to do the right thing when it comes to food waste, they just need the right tools, reminders and confidence.
"By working alongside the NSW EPA and local councils, we're empowering households to take small steps that have a big impact on our environment."
Through its partnership with the EPA, The Great Unwaste provides councils across NSW with free educational tools and creative campaign resources to help households reduce food waste and build lasting habits.
