A nationwide campaign to unite Australians on a quest to reduce the amount of food waste we all make at home – The Great Unwaste – was launched yesterday, on the UN’s International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Developed by the not-for-profit End Food Waste Australia, the project aims to transform how we think about and manage food through simple changes that have a big impact.
In a first for Australia, more than 3.5 years was spent researching the nation’s food waste habits. The resulting significant body of research – led by the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre – found the average household wastes more than double the amount of food a week than they think, 4.22 kilograms, not the perceived 2.03 kilograms.
That equates to Australian households throwing out 2.5 million tonnes of food each year, the equivalent of around 7.7 million meals every single day.
End Food Waste Australia campaign director, Mandy Hall, said the research also found nearly half of Australians (46 per cent) agreed they could do more to reduce their household waste, while 45 per cent were seeking better information and support to tackle the problem, demonstrating “a clear desire” among Australians to make positive changes, with the right guidance and tools.
By introducing simple, yet effective habits that can significantly impact food waste reduction, such as proper food storage, flexible meal planning, and creative use of leftovers, The Great Unwaste aims to empower Australians with the tools and tricks needed to turn food waste around.
It will be rolling out across multiple channels, including digital platforms, social media, and community engagement initiatives.
“No one sets out to waste food and we’d all like to improve, it’s why Australians are being asked that important question that makes you stop and think. Are you wasting more than you think?
“The Great Unwaste is about providing Australians with practical, relatable ways to reduce the amount of food we throw away in our busy daily lives and make a real difference. We’re rallying all Australians to join the movement and be part of the change we need to see in our homes and communities,” Hall said.
At the launch, federal environment and water minister, Tanya Plibersek said households are throwing out perfectly good food without realising it.
“Most people hate wasting food - and hate wasting money. This campaign helps with practical tips to reduce waste. By making small changes at home, we can cut down our food waste, save money and protect the planet,” Plibersek said.
The Australian Government provided initial seed funding for The Great Unwaste, which was developed with input from industry, states, and territories.
The Great Unwaste has set a target to reduce the 2.5 million tonnes figure by approximately 20 per cent by 2030, as part of Australia’s goal to halve all food waste by that year.
As the campaign develops, it will feature inspiring stories from Australians who have successfully reduced their food waste, proving that small changes can lead to significant results.
“Food brings us all together, it’s the glue the binds the family event, the fundraiser at the local school or sporting club, date night, or dinner out with friends. It’s the knowledge of what it takes to produce food, it is food’s capacity to equalise, show love, nourish and sustain. Most of our most treasured memories are linked with the food we eat in some way.
“So why, if something is such a profound and intrinsic human need, and such a source of connection, are we all wasting so much more of it than we think?”
Australians are being asked to join the movement today at www.thegreatunwaste.com.au.
