According to the Energy Saving Trust when food breaks down in landfill sites its causes gases like Methane contributing 8-10% of the worlds Green House gas emissions. (see article here). Most people are unaware of the harmful emissions generated by food waste because when ends up in landfills, it decomposes and releases methane gas into the atmosphere. Methane gas is a potent greenhouse gas that is 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide emissions.

Food waste not only causes harm to the environment but also leads to economic losses. A third of all food produced globally is wasted, which can amount to up to $1 trillion in losses annually. If food waste continues at this rate, it is estimated that by 2050, food waste will cause around $600 billion in economic losses.

Reducing food waste can have a significant impact on curbing greenhouse gas emissions. One effective method is composting. Composting allows food waste to decompose under controlled conditions which reduces the amount of methane gas produced - so it is really important not to just throw food out. Cook, donate, share or compost it!

Not everyone has a garden or can manage their food waste at home. We personally have gone from a city with weekly food waste collection to an area with no real garden ( so no room for a composter) and no municipal food waste.

Enter the Lomi! In this short video I explain a bit more about what this machine is, what it does and why I love it.

This LOMI composter breaks down most of your food waste ( no hard seeds) in a few hours and basically makes dirt. There are a few settings/cycles to creat different types - one is plain compost and the other retains nutrients needed for growing. This applainace is so easy to use, easy to clean and maintain. It’s very quiet and does not use much energy! You can learn about the LOMI carbon foot print here

Since my move to an area with no food what’re collection ( ahem #brightonanshovecouncil ) I have been loathe to just throw food scraps out.

I will be honest - it’s an investment- but hopefully there will be sales and discounts in the coming weeks to help reduce the price and there are options to spread out the cost because I think this is a great machine!

Reduce Waste with Soups + Smoothies!

In my quest to reduce food waste I always use up softer vegetables to make soup and softer fruits to make smoothies!

These poor lonely foods may not have a picture-perfect appearance, but they possess the potential to be transformed into delicious and nutricious meals or snacks. Fruits that are a bit overripe or vegetables that are going brown or bruised are often still perfectly good for consumption.

So why should you embrace soft fruits for your next smoothie creation? Firstly, blending soft fruits is an excellent way to utilize produce that might otherwise go to waste. By adopting this practice, you are not only saving money but also reducing your ecological footprint. Remember, every piece of fruit contributes to our efforts to combat food waste and preserve the environment.

Secondly, soft fruits bring a unique texture and rich flavor to your smoothies. As these fruits ripen, their natural sugars concentrate, resulting in a more intense and complex taste. The smoothie concoction becomes a fusion of natural sweetness, offering a delightful treat for your taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and the taste combinations will keep you coming back for more.

But wait, there's more! Don't forget to elevate your soft fruit smoothie by incorporating other ingredients such as yogurt, almond milk, or a spoonful of nut butter to boost the nutritional value and create a satisfying creaminess. You can even sneak in some leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.

See my smoothie recipe here for more ideas on how to boost this food waste solution!

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