At Rubbish Direct, we have a strong commitment to promoting sustainable waste management practices. Currently, one of our main focuses is on supporting the New Zealand government’s comprehensive strategy to minimise food waste. Considering that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is either lost or wasted, this initiative plays a vital role in achieving positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
9% of New Zealand’s biogenic methane emissions and 4% of our total greenhouse gas emissions are from food and organic waste.
Food and organic waste in New Zealand contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, including 9% of biogenic methane emissions and 4% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste is crucial to minimise these emissions, pressure on landfills, and overall environmental degradation.
Social and Economic Benefits
Food waste reduction is crucial for the environment and social issues. 1 in 5 children in NZ live in food-insecure households. Redistributing surplus food helps fight food insecurity and promotes community resilience. It also benefits businesses and households by improving resource efficiency and saving costs.
Cross-Government Action and Initiatives
Several government ministries are involved in this nationwide effort:
Ministry for Social Development: Supports food rescue through the Food Secure Communities program, establishing partnerships with organisations like the New Zealand Food Network and Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance.
Ministry for Primary Industries: Administers the Food Act 2014 and offers guidance on reducing food waste at home and in businesses.
Our Support for Food Waste Reduction
We manage organic and food waste responsibly to support the government’s initiatives. We aim to divert food waste from landfills to more sustainable paths like composting or animal feed.
Innovative Projects and Funding
The New Zealand government provides support to innovative projects such as Love Food Hate Waste, Kai Ika, and KiwiHarvest through the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF). These initiatives aim to educate people on reducing food waste, redistributing surplus food, and rescuing food that would otherwise be wasted. We actively promote and participate in these efforts to ensure that valuable resources are utilised effectively.
Future Developments
In line with the government’s commitment, we are getting ready for the 2030 regulation which mandates the separation of food waste from general refuse. This is a vital step in revolutionising recycling and waste management nationwide.
Collaboration between government, businesses, and communities is needed to effectively reduce food waste.
Join us at Rubbish Direct in creating a sustainable and resilient New Zealand. Let’s work together for a better future.
Sourced from the Ministry for the Environment
https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/waste/reducing-food-waste/
The Ministry for Primary Industries administers the Food Act 2014. MPI has developed advice on:
Reducing food waste at home
Reducing food waste tips for businesses
