County backs campaign to cut food waste

COUNTY Hall has signed up to a national campaign to reduce food and drink waste.

The 10-year Courtauld agreement, led by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap), aims to make food and drink production more sustainable.

Leicestershire County Council said measures taken have included food waste collections introduced at its County Hall, Glenfield food court.

It also supports annual campaigns and events, such as Love Food Hate Waste and Food Waste Action Week, plus zerowaste cooking classes for the public.

The Courtauld agreement has now set new targets, linked to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and waste challenges ahead of the year 2030.

They are:

■ A 50 per cent reduction in food and drink waste in the UK per person (against a 2007 baseline);

■ A 50 per cent absolute reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and consumption of food and drink in the UK;

■ That 50 per cent of fresh food is sourced from areas with sustainable water management.

Councillor Blake Pain, right, cabinet member for the environment and green agenda, said: “As we look ahead to the United Nations Climate Change Conference later in the year, and work towards our target to become a net zero county by 2045, it’s important that both the council and its residents look to reduce their food waste, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in line with the Courtauld 2030 targets.

“Everyone can help to raise awareness of these issues and together we can do our bit to combat climate change locally, to create a cleaner, greener and healthier Leicestershire.”

For tips on how to be more sustainable, visit: