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How Aussie households can save $1,043 a year
If Aussies reduced their household waste to zero every year, they could pocket themselves over a $1,000, new research has found.
How Aussie households can save $1,043 a year
If Aussies reduced their household waste to zero every year, they could pocket themselves over a $1,000, new research has found.
A study conducted by Rabobank has found that during the pandemic, the amount of food wastage has increased, despite Australians spending more time at home.
Numbers crunched by the bank in a report conducted on survey data in March and September found food wastage increased to $10.3 billion nationally.
Individual Aussies are now throwing away 12.7 per cent of the food they buy, which is costing them an all-time high of $1,043 per household.
Mr Wealands pointed out that as the country emerges from lockdown, there should be a renewed focus on lowering food wastage.
“Think about how and when you can use the excess food in your pantry and freezer, check your cupboards and the use by dates on packages to ensure you’re using what you have, make a weekly meal plan before you shop online and factor in a night off when you order your favourite local takeaway,” he said.
“These measures will have a huge impact on reducing our food waste collectively, as well as being kinder to the hip pocket for Aussies.”
Soar of delivery services sees food wastage rise
Delivery services have soared during the pandemic as Australians swap a night out for takeaway at home.
Rabobank has found that there has been an increase in the number of people using food delivery services in 2020, rising from 54 per cent pre-pandemic to 61 per cent currently, with more than double the number of people using these services at least once a week.
As dining out took a hit, Australians have also increasingly turned to self-prepare ‘meal kit’ food services, from 28 per cent pre-pandemic to 36 per cent currently.
While food delivery and meal kits have offered a welcomed release for many from the monotony of cooking every evening, the research shows a worrying correlation between uptake of these services and increased food waste; those most likely to use these services also waste over double the amount of food when compared with those who don’t.
“This is a real watch-out for consumers,” commented Mr Wealands. “We note through the research that consumers are working harder than ever to keep their finances in check, so it’s especially important for those that order pre-prepared meals to be mindful that unless you’re using these services wisely, it’s bad for your wallet and bad for reducing food waste.”
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