Make your own food waste starter pack

Over 10 million tonnes of food is wasted in the UK every year. It doesn’t just affect our food budget – overproducing food increases carbon emissions and climate change, which impacts communities living in poverty most.

Over the last few months we’ve shared advice from baby boomers, created food waste recipes and met organisations trying to reduce food waste.

If you’re looking to start your own food waste journey then the first step is to prepare well. If you get the right tools, you’ll find it a lot easier.

So here are five tools that will have you recycling leftovers and spending less in the shops in no time! Coming in at just under £30, by reducing the food you throw away and buy, you’ll make that back after a couple of weekly shops.

1. Stackable Food Containers – £3.50

Available from IKEA

If your cupboards look anything like mine, you’ll have dozens of containers and dozens of lids but none of the lids fit any of the containers. It’s a modern kitchen enigma. The staple of the successful food waste reducer is their containers – so invest in a wide range of shapes and sizes and store your leftovers in style. If your budget allows, cut your plastic use and invest in some glass containers instead.

2. Big Bag clips – £5.99

Available from eCookshop

Can’t finish a full packet of crisps? Want to re-seal a bag of salad? Having a supply of clips helps you save food for another time and prevents it going stale. These Oxo magnetic clips have another handy use – you can pin your shopping list to your fridge!

3. FreshPaper – £9.99

Available from Waitrose

Somehow, this magic paper gives your food longer shelf life. Simply put a sheet in your fruit bowl, food bags or fridge draws and keeps food fresh for two to four times longer. With only 8 sheets per package, it can be a little expensive, but people have said it’s made a noticeable difference.

4. Eat Meal Planner – £4.66

Available from the Book Depository

The biggest win for food waste is planning. “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail” is a phrase often associated with studying, but it rings true when I enter a supermarket without a list, aimlessly grabbing whatever I feel like eating and ultimately over ordering. This pad solves that issue – only buy what you know you’ll eat.

5. Food bag pegs – £1.29

Available from Argos

Food stored in airtight bags stays fresher for longer. Seal your sandwich bags with these handy pegs and give your fruit and veg extra life.

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