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OIC supports fight against food waste

OIC supports fight against food waste
15 January 2018

Orkney Islands Council is joining forces with Zero Waste Scotland, Resource Efficient Scotland, Orkney Food and Drink and Orkney Zerowaste this month, to urge local people to keep up the fight against food waste.

Orkney is one of four communities selected by Zero Waste Scotland to benefit from free training sessions and events touring Scotland as part of Food Waste Prevention Week, which takes place from 22-25 January.

A series of training and events, demonstrations and a webinar will be held in the county aimed primarily at the local business community, with some events open to the general public.

OIC’s Project Coordination Manager, Jayne Venables, said: “Food Waste is a global issue and here in Scotland, the Government have committed to a target to reduce food waste by 33% by 2025.

“The Orkney Food Waste Prevent Week focuses on what local businesses can do to reduce food waste whilst boosting profits. Research suggests that up to 75% of food waste in businesses could be avoided, unlocking big savings.

“But there is a lot that householders can do too. For example, 30 to 40% of waste found in the average grey bin is food waste - and much of the food we throw out is binned because we didn’t use it on time.

“A free cookery demonstration is being held on January 23 at the St Magnus Centre which is open to the general public. OIC, Zero Waste Scotland and Orkney Zerowaste will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on how to reduce food waste and save money at the same time.”

The Orkney Food Waste Prevention Week events are:

  • 22 January – a one hour webinar about local services that can help redistribute surplus food within the local economy via a digital App called OLIO. Webinar starts at 15:00.
  • 23 January – ‘Love your haggis’ cookery demonstration and tasting by Orkney Zero Waste and Love Food Hate Waste – covering a host of tips for making the most of food in your fridge, freezer and cupboards. 19:00 – 21:00 at the St Magnus Centre.
  • 24 January: Food Waste Prevention Training – a special workshop for local businesses on the latest food waste reduction techniques. Hear from local businesses who have already acted and are enjoying reduced costs. 10:00 – 13:30 at the Pickaquoy Centre.
  • Local businesses and organisations can also book in-house training sessions for their staff on 25 and 26 January.

Follow the week on Twitter using the hashtag #OrkneyFWPWeek

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