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Food waste trailblazer targets householders in Muir of Ord, Teandalloch, Corry of Ardnagrask, Garguston, Mulbuie, Marybank and Strathconon


By Hector MacKenzie

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Orrin Gosling (13) gamely helps demonstrate some of the downsides of failing to sort out food waste!
Orrin Gosling (13) gamely helps demonstrate some of the downsides of failing to sort out food waste!

HOUSEHOLDERS in and around Muir of Ord are being challenged to dramatically reduce their food waste while doing a good turn to the environment.

And it’s reckoned that their efforts – building on some habits which emerged in response to the coronavirus lockdown – could save them more than £430 a year into the bargain.

The Zero-Food Waste Kitchen Challenge encourages planned food shopping and creative cooking as well as composting.

The project is run by Moo Food, the locally-based community food charity, and is part of the Scran not Scraps scheme funded by Climate Challenge Fund.

Project officer Lyn McLardy said: “We hope that those that sign up will enjoy finding new ways to make a positive difference to their bins. It feels good to be in control and making a difference – whether you are motivated by doing your bit to look after the environment or to save money, or even just to have a stink-free wheelie bin!”

“During the project we’ll be supporting participants on our five food waste topics. We are also encouraging people to come forward and share what is working for them in their households.”

Topics include meal planning, food storage, composting and cleaning. People who sign up to the challenge will receive support which includes an information pack, videos and free waste-busting gifts.

Anyone in the Muir of Ord area interested in taking part should email hello@moofood.org to get started.

At the height of lockdown period, people living in the UK managed their food waste better. The changes in behaviour included more pre-shop planning, better in-home food management and using creative approaches to cooking. These new behaviours lead to a reported 34 per cent reduction in waste of potatoes, bread, chicken, and milk. The Zero Waste Kitchen Challenge is to support people in Muir of Ord in keeping some of these changes going and also to find new ways they can cut down on avoidable food waste.

Like in many rural areas, there is no food waste collection in Muir of Ord, so at present much food waste goes to landfill. Organic material rotting down in landfill sites is bad news as it undergoes anaerobic decomposition (because of the lack of oxygen) and generates methane.

When released into the atmosphere, methane is 25 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Reducing food waste sent to landfill, is not just great for the environment, it is estimated that each Scottish household could save up to £437 per year by tackling their food waste.

Due to the funding, which includes some equipment, the project is just for people in the Muir of Ord area – Muir of Ord, Teandalloch, Corry of Ardnagrask, Garguston, Mulbuie, Marybank and Strathconon.

If you are interested in taking part, Moo Food would love to hear from you – please email hello@moofood.org

Related: MOO Food gets a Lidl boost for community fridge

Growing interest sees food scheme put down roots in Muir of Ord


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