NEWS STORY: FIRST OF ITS KIND NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN ‘THE GREAT UNWASTE’ LAUNCHED
Nationwide campaign ‘The Great Unwaste’ set to help Australians reduce their food waste
In-depth study reveals Australian households waste twice as much food as they think
29 September 2024: Today sees the launch of The Great Unwaste, a nationwide, first-of-its-kind campaign designed to unite Australia in a movement to reduce food waste in our homes.
Coinciding with the UN International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste and developed by national not-for-profit End Food Waste Australia (EFWA), the movement aims to rally households across the country to make simple changes that can have a big impact on reducing the amount they throw away, saving money and creating a more sustainable future for Australia.
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water, commented on the launch: “The Great Unwaste campaign is rallying every Australian to join the fight against food waste. Small changes at home can add up to make a big difference for our environment and our wallets. I encourage all Australians to get behind this movement and be part of creating lasting, positive change in our homes and communities.”
The launch follows the completion of research by the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre into Australians’ food waste habits, which commenced in 2021. This significant body of research, the first-of-its-kind in Australia, revealed that the average household wastes more than twice as much food each week than they think – 4.22kgs compared to the perceived 2.03kgs1.
With Australian households currently throwing out 2.5 million tonnes2 of food each year, the equivalent of approximately 7.7 million meals3 every single day, the findings also revealed that nearly half of Australians (46%)4 agree they could do more to reduce their household waste, while 45%5 are seeking better information and support to tackle the problem. This demonstrates a clear desire among Australians to make positive changes, with the right guidance and tools.
The Great Unwaste has set an ambitious target to reduce the 2.5 million tonnes figure by approximately 20% by 2030, as part of Australia’s goal to halve food waste by that year.
Mandy Hall, Campaign Director at End Food Waste Australia says: “No one sets out to waste food and we’d all like to improve, it’s why Australians are being asked that important question that makes you stop and think. Are you wasting more than you think? The Great Unwaste is about providing Australians with practical, relatable ways to reduce the amount of food we throw away in our busy daily lives and make a real difference. We’re rallying all Australians to join the movement and be part of the change we need to see in our homes and communities.”
By introducing simple, yet effective habits that can significantly impact food waste reduction, such as proper food storage, flexible meal planning, and creative use of leftovers, The Great Unwaste aims to empower Australians with the tools and tricks needed to turn food waste around.
As the movement continues to grow it will feature inspiring stories from everyday Australians who have successfully reduced their food waste, proving that small changes can lead to significant results.
The Australian Government provided initial seed funding for The Great Unwaste, which was developed with input from industry, states, and territories.
Rolling out across multiple channels, including digital platforms, social media, and community engagement initiatives, Australians are being asked to join the movement today at www.thegreatunwaste.com.au.
Together we can make Australia a leader in reducing household food waste, helping to protect our environment and keep more money in our pockets.
ENDS.
Media enquiries: communication@endfoodwaste.com.au
1 Australian Household Food Waste: A summary of behaviours, attitudes, perceived and actual food waste 2021
2 End Food Waste Australia (from FIAL baseline 2021)
3 End Food Waste Australia to provide (from FIAL baseline, plus % edible waste from: Karunasena, G.G, Pearson, D, and Fight Food Waste CRC (2021) Australian household food waste: A summary of behaviours, attitudes, perceived and actual food waste, Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, Adelaide. Australia.)
4 End Food Waste Australia NCBCC Impact Monitoring Program Baseline Wave July 2024
5 End Food Waste Australia NCBCC Impact Monitoring Program Baseline Wave July 2024
ABOUT THE GREAT UNWASTE
The Great Unwaste is a nationwide movement rallying all Australians who want to waste less food at home while saving time, money and contributing to a sustainable future. The Great Unwaste is proudly brought to you by End Food Waste Australia, a not-for-profit charity leading Australia’s effort to end food waste across the supply chain.
This innovative campaign aims to transform how we think about and manage food, turning potential waste into opportunities for positive change. By encouraging simple, actionable habits—such as proper food storage, flexible meal planning, and making the most of leftovers – The Great Unwaste helps individuals and households reduce their food waste, one small step at a time.
We believe every Australian can make a difference, no matter how small. Backed by comprehensive research and supported by the National Food Waste Strategy, together we are aiming to cut Australia’s food waste in half by 2030.
The Great Unwaste is support by the Australian Government. For more information visit www.thegreatunwaste.com.au