Scots leading the way over festive waste – and charity is keen to cash in
Scots are among the thriftiest in the UK when it comes to the Christmas shop, with less than half admitting to overspending on food over the festive period,
A new poll for the charity Christian Aid about Christmas charitable giving and festive food waste habits found that less than half admitted to overspending. Of those in Scotland who admitted to overspending on festive food, 55 per cent would overspend by up to £50, and just 2 per cent said they would overspend by more than £200.
The poll is published as Christian Aid launches stop motion film, oh what a waste, using real food from the traditional Christmas dinner, combined with a unique version of The 12 Days of Christmas, to highlight the vast quantity of edibles the UK public throws away every year. The statistics used in the film are based on existing research and include 70 million mince pies, four million puddings and two million turkeys. The film is part of the charity’s annual Christmas Appeal, and is encouraging people to save money this Christmas and spend it on food that really matters – waste less, save money and save lives.
Sally Foster-fulton, head of Christian Aid Scotland, said: “We think people in Scotland will enjoy Oh What A Waste, it looks like a bit of festive fun, but it doesn’t shy away from highlighting an important challenge.
“If we all pay a bit more attention to buying only what we need, cut back a little on the excess that will probably end its days in the bottom of the bin, then we can all save a little, waste less and make a small, but important change.”
She added: “Hunger is not inevitable. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone – yet thousands of people around the world, including South Sudan, still go to bed hungry.”
Donations made to the charity’s Christmas Appeal until 5 February will be matched by the UK government up to £2.7 million.
Just £5 could provide a cash voucher to provide enough food for a family for four days, and £10 feed a family in South Sudan for a week.