Harrogate Borough Council

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23 September 2008: MANY people reduce their food intake to reduce the size of their waist but now families are feeling the 'waste pinch' and are looking at ways of reducing the amount of food they throw away each week.

 

Joining forces across North Yorkshire with environmental charity, Waste Watch, Harrogate Borough Council is one of seven district councils who can offer the opportunity for one family from their area to take part in a six-week "food waste makeover" - the county council will choose one family too making eight places available.

 

Alex Rankin, Harrogate's Recycling Promotion Officer says this is an exciting opportunity for families who want to reduce their weekly food bill.  She said:  "This is recycling with a difference.  Our grandparents were brilliant at making meals go further by making sure that everything was used.  We are not suggesting that people boil down the bones to make broth although that is a good idea -, but families will get ideas about how they can save over £600 a year on food bills and how to stop wasting so much food."

 

Each year, the average household in Britain throws away about a third of the food they buy. 

 

Alex added that this is a great opportunity to get the whole family involved.  "Grandparents and parents can get children onboard to challenge and change wasteful habits.  We will give families help, guidance and support and there will be food freebies and lots of tips to take the strain off both bins and bills.  "

 

Anyone interested in this challenge is asked to call Alex Rankin on 01423 556853 or email alex.rankin@harrogate.gov.uk before Friday, 17 October.

 

The "food waste" challenge will be launched in November with all eight households going head to head to see who can reduce and reuse the most.  The winning household will be announced in December.