How much money could you save by throwing out less food?
Everyone wastes food, and about half of this waste happens in our homes! In Canada, an average family of four throws out nearly $1,500 per year. By wasting less food, we can all save money and maybe even eat better.
The Table Matters Network created the North Shore FoodPrint Challenge to help raise awareness around food waste. We are inviting residents of the North Shore to take five days and measure and report all preventable food waste – food that could have been eaten but is thrown out. Those who sign up early will receive a free digital kitchen scale. Shopping, meal planning and food storage tips will be sent to participants. After completing the five-day challenge, participants will be asked to complete an online survey to report their results and be entered to win groceries courtesy of North Shore food retailers!
Reducing food waste not only saves money, but also helps the environment by reducing the waste of resources needed to grow, package, and transport food, such as fuel and water. Your participation will provide valuable information on preventable food waste on the North Shore.
The challenge will run from March 30 – April 30, 2015. Contact info@tablematters.ca or visit www.tablematters.ca for more information and to sign up. Find our Twitter and Facebook pages too! Supporting partners include Vancouver Coastal Health, North Shore Recycling Program and Farm Folk, City Folk.
Margaret Deachman
This is a great campaign to bring awareness to more people.
A number of years ago in December we had a work competition to see which team could donate the most food to the food bank. I went through my canned goods cupboard. I found so many tins of food that had stale-dated.
I no longer buy the six cans just because it’s on sale. And I check now before heading to the store. Sounds obvious but I know many of us go to the store – grab a few tins of tomatoes (or whatever), are certain we need them when we have four at home.
This challenge is a good start and there are many great sites that can help you educate yourself about how to reduce your waste.
**Our refrigerators and cupboards are a big problem – out of sight out of mind.
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Kathy Griffiths
I think this is a really great ideat! Is there anyway we could do this in Vancouver? It would be so interesting! Can’t wait to hear how it goes on the North Shore.
Alexandra Turnbull
Hi Emily,
This sounds like a great initiative. I remember listening to ‘What a Waste’ on CBC radio with Torah Kachur (http://www.cbc.ca/whatawaste/episodes/2014/06/30/food-waste), and learning that an estimated third of our groceries end up in landfills, while millions go hungry in other parts of the world.
Such an interesting topic. Can I post this on the BCGreenCare site: https://bcgreencare.ca
As you mention, this issue has a big impact on our environment, our bank accounts, and our health!
Look forward to hearing more. Thanks.
Margaret Broughton
Hi Alexandra,
Please do post about the topic on the BCGreenCare site! Food waste is on the radar in other countries. England has Love Food Hate Waste which is coming to MetroVancouver. The ban on food waste in the garbage is a start but we need to get organized to just eat it!