Warning over food wastage

THE turkey and not your shopping cart is the only thing that should get stuffed this year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The average family in Ireland throws out €700 worth of food each year, with waste increasing substantially over Christmas.

According to Stop Food Waste, a programme developed by the agency, more food is thrown out during Christmas week than at any other time of the year. Panic bulk buying and over compensating are two factors cited as reasons that lead to the gross wastage.

“There is always a peak in food waste during the festive season. It has a negative effect on personal finances and ultimately on the environment, when this waste goes to landfill,” said Stop Food Waste spokesman Odile Le Bolloch.

The knock-on effect of excess wastage is the huge financial costs of dumping it in landfills — along with the environmental harm from greenhouse gases released when it rots.

This year Stop Food Waste is encouraging people to plan ahead.

Mr Le Bolloch encourages people not to overstock on basics such as bread and milk as supermarkets and local shops reopen very quickly after Christmas.

* More info: www.stopfoodwaste.ie