We throw away £12.5 billion worth of food every year in the UK.
Households throw away an average of £540 worth of food each year. For families with children, this increases to around £700 a year, or almost £60 every month.
Research suggests that around 40% of the food we throw away could have been eaten. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the most commonly wasted foods, followed by meat, fish, bread and other bakery products, dairy products, rice and pasta.
Most food waste ends up in landfill. Instead of breaking down naturally, it rots and releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
If we stopped wasting food, it would have the same impact on carbon emissions as taking one in four cars off UK roads.
Reduce your food waste
Love Food Hate Waste has practical tips to help you waste less food, save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
You'll also find meal planning advice, food storage guidance and recipes to help you make the most of your leftovers.
You can also visit OLIO, which connects neighbours and local businesses so surplus food can be shared instead of thrown away.
Composting
Some food waste is unavoidable. Eggshells, banana skins and tea bags cannot be eaten, but they can be composted. Home composting is a simple way to keep this waste out of landfill while creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden.