Be ‘Food Smart’ and pledge for your pocket and the planet!

Tue, March 01, 2016

Be ‘Food Smart’ and pledge for your pocket and the planet!

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s recently launched ‘Food Smart’, campaign is encouraging everyone to take a pledge to reduce the amount of food wasted, reconnect to food and reduce food waste overall throughout the Borough.  These pledges can help households across the Borough save money, typically up to £60 per month!

The ‘Food Smart’ section on Council’s website provides a range of pledges which all contain simple and achievable action.  These provide an opportunity for everyone to get involved by participating in something practical to reduce food waste, save money and also help the planet. The pledges are available for individuals, families, businesses, schools and communities.

Over one quarter of the total land used in the world for agriculture produces crops which end up as waste. This is a substantial amount considering the chemicals, water and fossil fuels required to grow, harvest, package and transport the produce. Aside from the environmental cost, both time and money is spent in purchasing and preparing food therefore aiming to waste as little as possible is beneficial from all aspects.

Declan Donnelly, Causeway Coast and Glens Recycling and Education Officer said, “This particular aspect of the ‘Food Smart’ campaign aims to encourage people of all ages to take a pledge which can actually save you money and as a bonus help the planet. This is an opportunity to discover some of the issues around food and do something about it. 

“‘Food Smart’ offers you the opportunity to become a food activist – we can help you champion food in your home, school, community or workplace! The pledges are specifically designed to appeal to people of all ages and in all kinds of settings, from home to school to the wider community and businesses so why not give it a try and see how much you can save in both food waste and money?”

To take part in the ‘Food Smart’ campaign and complete a pledge visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk and search ‘Food Smart Pledges’. To let Council know how you are getting on with your Food Diary and/or Pledge or for further information and advice please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officers on foodsmart@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

ENDS

Find out more about the Food Smart Campaign here