THE Stanwick family from Bundamba has been making conscious efforts to reduce food waste in their home, saving money and making a positive impact on the environment.
Their commitment reflects a growing national trend, with new research from not-for-profit End Food Waste Australia revealing that 90 per cent of Australians now recognise their responsibility to help reduce food waste.
“We’ve started planning our meals more carefully, using leftovers creatively, and even composting scraps to use in our garden,” Sarah Stanwick said.
“It’s amazing how much we’ve reduced our weekly waste just by making a few simple changes.”
Husband Mark said a greener lifestyle was being passed down to their three children.
“We used to throw out so much food without realising it. Now, we involve the kids in meal planning and cooking, and they’re learning valuable lessons about sustainability,” he said.
The research, released to coincide with Food Waste Action Week last week, highlights the impact of The Great Unwaste campaign, which has been inspiring Australian households to rethink their food habits since its launch six months ago.
Mark Boulet, a food waste behavioural expert from BehaviourWorks Australia, acknowledged the shift in mindset among Australians.
“The signs are encouraging that The Great Unwaste is helping people reframe food waste reduction as something achievable rather than overwhelming,” Dr Boulet said.
The Great Unwaste Campaign Director Mandy Hall said that reducing food waste was not just about responsibility – it was also rewarding.
“Learning to love your leftovers and prepping meals for the week are opportunities to get creative, cook smarter, and enjoy food even more.”
