Leading global zero waste organizations have come together to launch a first-of-its-kind campaign aimed to drive home the message that Food Waste Feeds Climate Change. Led by Love Food Hate Waste Canada and the National Zero Waste Council, Canada is joining the UK, US, New Zealand, and other nations for Food Waste Action Week running March 7 to 13, 2022.
A press release notes that recent data showed that 63 per cent of the food that Canadian households throw away is considered avoidable, meaning that it could have been eaten. That equates to a total of 2.2 million tonnes of avoidable household food waste per year, at a cost of more than $17 billion. That waste is responsible for 9.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of 2.1 million cars on the road.
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To participate in Food Waste Action Week, Canadians are encouraged to use the food-saving tips shared on the Love Food Hate Waste Canada social channels (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) and through the #foodwasteactionweek hashtag. From storing food correctly, to using up leftovers and making sure none of the food we love goes to waste, every small change can make a big difference.
A powerful series of creative ads have been developed and will be shared globally during #FoodWasteActionWeek that shows the direct impact food waste has on our climate – from floods to fires and famine – all things front of mind for Canadians.
As well as Love Food Hate Waste Canada and the National Zero Waste Council, partners of the campaign include environmental charity WRAP, Walmart Canada, the City of Toronto, the City of Winnipeg, and RECYC-QUEBEC.
Together, during Canada’s first Food Waste Action Week, we will share food-saving tips and strategies and draw attention to the important role food waste prevention can play in fighting climate change.
“Food waste has a devastating impact on the planet, and each of us has an important role to play,” said Jack Froese, chair of the National Zero Waste Council. “As someone with a lifelong connection to farming, I know full well how hard farmers work to put nutritious and tasty food on Canadian tables. Food Waste Action Week is all about helping people get the most from the food they buy, for the sake of the planet.”
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Love Food Hate Waste Canada is delivered by the National Zero Waste Council in collaboration with seven campaign partners, including the City of Toronto, City of Vancouver, City of Winnipeg, RECYC-QUÉBEC, the Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver, and major Canadian food retailer, Walmart Canada.
The National Zero Waste Council, an initiative of Metro Vancouver, is leading Canada’s transition to a circular economy by bringing together governments, businesses and NGOs to advance a waste prevention agenda that maximizes economic opportunities for the benefit of all Canadians. The Council has been leading on food loss and waste prevention since 2012,
advocating for fiscal incentives, policy change, and the adoption of best practices. Its national A Food Loss and Waste Strategy for Canada prioritizes actions for governments, businesses, and community organizations.
