Sutton residents find cool way to learn about reducing food waste

The BIG Freeze came to Sutton High Street on Friday 15 January and residents heard how they can save money by freezing some leftover foods and reduce food waste.

Shoppers on Sutton High Street were presented with some chilling facts about food waste with the aid of a large inflatable freezer appearing for the first time in London.

Love Food Hate Waste’s BIG Freeze event, in association with Sutton Council, aimed to inform borough residents about how they can save money and reduce food waste by keeping leftovers and certain foods in their freezers to reuse and make the most of their shopping. The average household throws out a staggering £60 of food a month, and over the course of a year that adds up to around £700.

A team of advisers was on hand to engage shoppers in conversation and share handy money-saving tips. Interactive quizzes and puzzles tested passers-by on their knowledge of which items can and cannot be frozen, and there was also the chance to enter a prize draw with a prize of a Nutribullet or an ice cream maker.

Carshalton Central Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment & Neighbourhood Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“One of the ways we can all reduce food waste is by making sure we’re freezing leftovers rather than throwing them away. I understand as a householder that it can be difficult to remember exactly what can be frozen safely – we’re proud to work together with organisations like Love Food Hate Waste to become a greener borough.

“Reducing food waste is not only good for our environment but it’s good for our wallets.”

As a Sustainable Food City, Sutton is committed to reducing food waste. The reduction of food waste and associated costs means more money can be invested in vital services and the borough can achieve its One Planet Sutton aims.

James McGowan, Campaign Manager for Love Food Hate Waste, said:

“Each time we come to Sutton we’re impressed by how committed the council and residents are to reducing food waste. The BIG Freeze is a great event and it’s a pleasure to see our messages delivered in such a receptive and engaging manner. Freezing food is a great way to extend its shelf life and help us out when we’ve cooked too much of something.”

Love Food Hate Waste’s BIG Freeze event has recently toured the country appearing in 10 major UK cities. It was quite a coup for Sutton to be the first London borough to see it – now it’s up to all of us in the area to prevent good food going to waste and help build a better planet.

The Sutton Love Food Hate Waste campaign is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) after Sutton Council’s successful bid for funding.

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