Invest
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.”
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Spending
Moneysmart study reveals Gen Z women more concerned about finances than men
A new research conducted by ASIC’s Moneysmart has unveiled the heightened levels of stress and concern regarding finances and the cost of living among Australian Gen Z women compared to their male ...Read more
Spending
The cost of politeness: Aussies out of pocket by $1,350 due to 'awkward tax'
It's the time of year when Australians dive into their pockets for festive events and gatherings, yet a recent study by PayPal suggests that many are too polite, or perhaps too embarrassed, to ask for ...Read more
Spending
Aussies can ‘NAB Now Pay Later’ with the last major bank to embrace BNPL
NAB has become the latest bank to enter the BNPL market. Read more
Spending
Aussie households spent $368 a week on transport after petrol price surge
Fuel costs have increased by 40 per cent over the past year, a new report from the Australian Automobile Association has revealed. Read more
Spending
Voters say reducing the cost of living should be the government’s top priority
Aussies have ranked high cost of living as the top issue that needs to be addressed by the next government. Read more
Spending
Bodies back Labor’s commitment to stronger BNPL regulation
All parties should commit to stronger regulations for the BNPL sector, according to Financial Counselling Australia. Read more
Spending
Household spending surges led by retail and recreation
Spending on retail, recreation and hospitality have continued to climb as COVID-19 case numbers and restrictions have eased. Read more
Spending
Banks extend financial assistance to flood-affected customers
A range of assistance is available from major banks to those impacted by flooding in NSW and Queensland. Read more
Spending
Moneysmart study reveals Gen Z women more concerned about finances than men
A new research conducted by ASIC’s Moneysmart has unveiled the heightened levels of stress and concern regarding finances and the cost of living among Australian Gen Z women compared to their male ...Read more
Spending
The cost of politeness: Aussies out of pocket by $1,350 due to 'awkward tax'
It's the time of year when Australians dive into their pockets for festive events and gatherings, yet a recent study by PayPal suggests that many are too polite, or perhaps too embarrassed, to ask for ...Read more
Spending
Aussies can ‘NAB Now Pay Later’ with the last major bank to embrace BNPL
NAB has become the latest bank to enter the BNPL market. Read more
Spending
Aussie households spent $368 a week on transport after petrol price surge
Fuel costs have increased by 40 per cent over the past year, a new report from the Australian Automobile Association has revealed. Read more
Spending
Voters say reducing the cost of living should be the government’s top priority
Aussies have ranked high cost of living as the top issue that needs to be addressed by the next government. Read more
Spending
Bodies back Labor’s commitment to stronger BNPL regulation
All parties should commit to stronger regulations for the BNPL sector, according to Financial Counselling Australia. Read more
Spending
Household spending surges led by retail and recreation
Spending on retail, recreation and hospitality have continued to climb as COVID-19 case numbers and restrictions have eased. Read more
Spending
Banks extend financial assistance to flood-affected customers
A range of assistance is available from major banks to those impacted by flooding in NSW and Queensland. Read more
