Food waste vs. plastic waste – which is worse for the environment?
When it comes to single-use plastics, it’s universally agreed that they have a negative impact on the environment.
And, in recent years, there have been really positive steps forward in Scotland on this issue – from packaging-free shops to a Scottish Government ban on common single-use plastic items.
But what about the hidden carbon cost of wasting food?
A massive 86% of Scots are unaware that food waste can be an even bigger contributor to climate change than plastic waste.
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A shocking statistic
In a recent YouGov survey we found that a massive 86% of Scots are unaware that food waste can be an even bigger contributor to climate change than plastic waste.
Zero Waste Scotland analysis has revealed that the climate impact of food waste binned from homes in Scotland can be more than twice that of plastic.
We know there are instances of unavoidable food waste, fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones and shells, to name a few. However, these can all go in your food waste recycling bin which can, in turn, feed our plants and heat our homes. By reducing food waste and recycling what is unavoidable we can ensure that nothing goes to waste.
A knowledge gap
There’s a definite knowledge gap when it comes to the environmental impact of wasting food but we are on a mission to change this.
Our research found that only 20% of Scots prioritise reducing food waste at home while 63% prioritise reducing plastic waste, so how can we make it easier?
Small changes, big impact
The answer is simple, start small! We’ve got loads of brilliant resources available on our website and social media channels, but here are a few of our top tips to get you started:
Shop savvy - over half the food we throw away could’ve been eaten if we had done some planning in advance! Meal plans and shopping lists are both great ways to keep on top of food waste.
Push pause - your freezer is your best friend in the fight against food waste, helping to preserve food at its best! Being smart with storage also ensures you get the most out of your shopping.
Love leftovers - getting creative with leftovers, fridge odds and ends and store cupboard staples is a fun (and frugal) way to tackle food waste!
YouGov Research
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1004 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th - 30th September 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).