YES to BBQs NO to Food Waste!

BBQ season is a time for fun, delicious food, and outdoor gatherings with friends and family. However, it can also lead to significant food waste, which has environmental, economic, and social implications. Did you know that a third of all food produced globally is thrown away? In the UK alone, approximately 9.52 million tonnes of food are wasted each year, enough to feed upwards of 30 million people annually. With 8.4 million people living in food poverty in the UK, reducing food waste is more critical than ever. By adopting mindful practices, you can enjoy your BBQ while minimizing food waste, plus you’ll probably save some cash too! Here are some tips to help you achieve a sustainable BBQ season:

1. Only Buy What You Need

When planning BBQ dishes, it’s easy to get carried away with numerous recipe ideas. To reduce food waste, limit your menu to 2 or 3 dishes. This way, you won't end up with an excess of ingredients that might go unused. Planning and sticking to a shopping list can ensure you purchase just the right amount.

2. Store Food Correctly

Proper food storage is crucial for maintaining freshness and safety. Store meats in a cool environment using airtight containers to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage. Ensuring that vegetables and fruits are kept at optimal temperatures can also extend their shelf life, reducing the chance of them going bad before they are used.

3. Make a Tasty Stock

BBQs often generate a lot of vegetable and meat scraps. Instead of throwing these away, use them to make a flavourful stock, broth, or gravy. This not only reduces waste but also enhances future meals with rich, homemade flavours, plus is a delicious and nutritious way of diverting food from landfill.

4. Enjoy Your Leftovers

Don’t throw away leftovers. Refrigerate them for future meals. If you're hosting an event, provide takeaway containers so guests can take home some BBQ treats. Leftovers can be creatively repurposed into new dishes, saving money and reducing waste.

5. Use Your Freezer

Batch cooking and freezing meals is a great way to preserve food. While refrigerated food is convenient for the next few days, freezing can extend the shelf life of your meals significantly. This is especially useful for surplus BBQ meats and prepared dishes.

6. Give Bread a New Life

Bread often goes stale quickly. To avoid wasting it, freeze your bread, including burger and hotdog buns. This keeps them fresh for longer and ensures you always have bread on hand when needed.

7. Compost Food Scraps

If you work in a large kitchen or have a lot of food scraps, composting is a better option than throwing them in the trash. This helps reduce waste and benefits the environment by creating nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

8. Support Local Food Suppliers

Buying local produce supports small businesses and reduces food waste. Local foods travel shorter distances, decreasing the chances of spoilage during transport. Fresh, local ingredients can also enhance the quality and flavour of your BBQ dishes.

9. Make Use of Veggies

Grilled vegetables can be a delicious addition to your BBQ. Use the entire vegetable, as most parts are edible, which helps minimize waste. Additionally, incorporating more veggies can balance the meal and provide a healthier option for guests.

10. Buy Wonky Fruit and Veg

Wonky fruits and vegetables are often discarded due to cosmetic standards, despite tasting the same. Many supermarkets now sell these "wonky" items, helping reduce waste. By choosing these for your BBQ, you can contribute to sustainability efforts and often save money.

BBQ season is a time to enjoy with family and friends, but it's also an opportunity to practice sustainability. By implementing these tips, you can reduce food waste, save money, and contribute to a healthier environment. Share your own tips with your BBQ crew to raise awareness and encourage others to join the fight against food waste. Together, we can make a difference!