Reduce food waste and shop, cook, and serve smart this festive period. The NSW EPA explains how to save money and reduce food waste this Christmas.
A new partnership between the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Sydney café Cornersmith reveals a world of ideas to make your way through the never-ending whirlwind of eating and drinking we all do at Christmas, save money and cut down on food waste all at the same time.
With more potential food waste over Christmas – and much of it finishing up in landfills – being smart about your festive feasts may also be the tastiest way you can imagine to help our environment.
The secret is all about being clever about using what you already have, according to Cornersmith Cooking School co-ordinator Jaimee Edwards.
"A little sense of quality over quantity can go a long way. After that, ask yourself how you can use what you already have, do more with less, and what you need," Mr Edwards said.
"Our recipes use kitchen and pantry scraps and give them another life for entertaining or gifting."
Cornersmith certainly practices what it preaches in its business. That's why teaming up with the EPA's Love Food Hate Waste program to get support for its schools' cooking program was a no-brainer for the family-run café that is all about ethical food choices, education and sustainable business practices.
The sustainable approach to food taken by families and businesses like Cornersmith saves a motza in hidden costs, says EPA's Love Food Hate Waste Program Manager Amanda Kane.
"In the lead up to Christmas, Aussie farmers dedicate their time to produce the high-quality food for our Christmas events. Precious water is used to grow our veggies, energy is used to keep food cool, and emission-generating fuel is used to bring these goodies to our door," she said.
"Partnering with organisations like Cornersmith helps us spread the word about food waste and tap into the skills and passion of the community to reduce food waste."
Ms Kane said the Love Food Hate Waste Partnership program supported innovative projects like the Cornersmith Schools initiative and provided up to $1,000 to community groups to share food waste avoidance messages.
Other partners include the United Nations Association of Australia, Grow It Local, The Happy Hens social enterprise and Port Macquarie Community Gardens.
