European Waste Reduction Week 2014

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), an initiative aiming at promoting waste minimisation and raising awareness of current and on going issues, takes place between November 22-30 2014.

The EWWR has a strong focus on waste prevention and the ‘3R’s’ reduce waste, reuse products and recycle materials. Every year a new theme is introduced, with 2014 being directed at preventing food waste. This is a hot topic not only in Aberdeenshire but on an international scale.

Around one third of food and drink produced globally is discarded; in Scotland alone this equates to 630,000 tonnes every year. This costs the average householder £39 a month or £470 a year. Discarding food items into a waste bin is not only wasting the item itself but also the energy, fuel and water it has taken to produce, store and distribute. There is also the added issue of the greenhouse gases produced at each stage, which in turn contributes to climate change.

The main reasons for the production of food waste is often either preparing too much or not using the produce in time. Some food waste is unavoidable, such as peelings, banana skins etc. but with efficient meal planning and making use of leftovers, the majority of our food waste can be avoided. And when it can’t, why not use an at home composter?

The European Week for Waste Reduction website

is full of great ideas on how you can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and prevent food waste. Why not try composting at home or holding a zero waste lunch in the office, or hold a workshop which focuses on cooking with leftovers.

With the ‘3R’s’ in mind, The Gordon School in Huntly will be holding a “Reduce, Reuse, Re-uniform” event. A great way to reduce waste, save money and resources as well as raise awareness and funds, by collecting grown out but not worn out school uniforms.