On the 29th September 2022, the UN will celebrate its third International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
An annual event that shines a light on how devastating it is for our planet, it really puts into focus the importance of sustainability.
Currently, one third of food grown is wasted while more than 800 million people are going hungry - and this waste causes around 8% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
By reducing the amount that we throw away, not only can we fight climate change, but we’ll be making food more accessible and affordable for all.
It might sound like a daunting task, but with everyone doing their bit, we can make a huge impact together.
This month, we’re running a special challenge that’ll help you reduce food waste at home while giving you the chance to win up to 3 FREE grocery boxes.
Here’s how it works…
Food waste bingo
Check out our food waste bingo card.
All you have to do is complete as many of these 16 challenges as you can. If you need a hand, just take a look at our useful tips below.
Take a picture or video every time you complete one of the challenges, then when you’ve done all you can, post all your images together in one Instagram story before 30/10/22, tagging us and using #HEROGOBINGO.
We’ll put your name in a draw and we will pick 3 winners for each category:
1 line = 50% off your next order
Full house = 3 FREE grocery boxes
The challenges
Cook a meal using food scraps
We don’t just mean ‘use leftovers’. We mean, use potato peel, broccoli stems, and more!
Far too often we throw away scraps that are perfectly edible - and they’re often the healthiest bit of the fruit/veg too!
Need some inspiration? Try this tasty stir fry recipe.
Eat your leftovers
It’s so easy to forget about that leftover casserole or lasagne from the other night.
But, rather than forgetting about it then throwing it away, make it a priority to eat every bit.
Don’t want to eat the same meal two days in a row? Throw in some extra veg or herbs to change it up a little.
Or, why not plan a leftovers dinner each Saturday to use up all the extra portions from the week?
Write a list before shopping for groceries
…that way, you’ll only buy what you need.
When you buy only what you need, groceries won’t go unused so nothing will end up in the bin.
Just make sure you stick to the list - don’t be tempted to buy extra just because there’s an offer!
Start packing lunches for work
Yes, we know - packing a lunch every morning is never an easy chore, especially when you could spend that extra 10 minutes getting more sleep!
But, bringing a packed lunch can not only save you money, but it’ll help you make use of any leftovers too.
Check out this roast veggie sandwich recipe - it’s a great way to use up any extra produce hiding in the fridge.
You could even try making it the night before so you still get all that precious shut-eye.
Create a weekly meal plan
If you know what meals you’re making, you know exactly what to put on that shopping list.
Then, you just buy what you need and you’ll have minimal produce leftover at the end of the week.
It’s such an easy way to help cut food waste at home!
Organise your fridge
Have you ever heard of ‘FIFO’? It means, ‘first in, first out’.
Put the food you bought first at the front of the fridge - it’ll have a shorter expiration date, and having it visible will remind you to use it ASAP.
You’ll need to do this regularly to keep on top of it, though. We recommend re-organising everything each time you go shopping.
Share a food waste tip on social media
Rather than having a handful of people cut food waste perfectly, we’ll make a bigger impact if more people do it imperfectly.
But, that can only happen if people know about the problem.
Whether you just talk to friends and family about the issue, or you share your best food waste tips on social media, every post and conversation will go a long way to spreading the news and making a difference.
Cook soup to use up old veg
Not only is soup delicious and nutritious, but it’s a great way to use your leftover veggies too.
Just throw any veg you have into a pot with some stock, and that’s all there is to it.
Need some inspiration? Whether you prefer cabbage or cauliflower, leek and potato or squash and persimmon, we have loads of recipes you can try.
Take leftovers home from a restaurant
We’ve all been there - we get to the restaurant wanting to try every dish on the menu, but it turns out our eyes are bigger than our stomachs.
What happens to all that food we can’t finish? Yep - it gets binned.
Rather than letting that happen, ask for a doggy bag instead so you can bring those tasty leftovers home and enjoy them tomorrow.
Make a smoothie to use up old fruit
Like with making soup, smoothies are so simple to make, and they’re a great way to use any fruit that’s getting old.
Just throw your favourites into a blender with some ice and juice, and you’ve got yourself a fresh, nutritious snack.
Of course, we have plenty more inspiration for you, whether you need to use up some bananas or oranges, even figs or coconuts.
Don’t forget, you can even add some veg in there too!
Order a grocery box from HeroGo
Our grocery boxes are full of fruit and veg that was destined to be wasted, often because they are surplus produce or they are too ‘ugly’ to be sold in average stores.
We rescue this fresh, perfectly good produce, making it affordable and accessible.
Not only does this prevent lots of food from ending up in the landfill, but with every delivery we provide meals for 2 people facing hunger, to help fight inequality too.
Order your next box here.
Adapt a recipe to use the groceries you already have
This is your sign to get creative in the kitchen!
Take a look at the groceries you need to use up then try a new recipe, create a totally new one, or adapt one of your favourites to make sure those bits get used.
Who knows - throw something together and it might end up being your new favourite dish!
Share large meals with family & friends
Have you cooked too much for dinner again?
Why not invite friends, family or neighbours to come and join your meal?
You can even encourage them to take home anything that’s leftover to make sure absolutely nothing goes to waste.
Choose ‘ugly’ produce
We’re all guilty of rummaging through the store’s pile of potatoes to find the ‘perfect’ one.
The truth is, even if one is a little bruised or has a funny shape, it’s just as tasty as the others.
But, the problem is, if everyone chooses that ‘perfect’ potato, the rest will just go in the bin.
Choose ugly instead and it’ll really help to reduce food waste.
Can or pickle your veggies
If you’re struggling to eat all your groceries, try quick pickling them.
This is a super easy way to preserve your veggies, whether it’s cucumber or carrots, red onion or green beans.
All you have to do is wash and dry some jars then put herbs or spices inside - we recommend garlic and dill. Next, chop your veg and pack that tightly inside too.
To make the brine, just combine equal parts water and vinegar in a pan, add a little salt, then bring it to the boil. Take it off the heat once the salt has dissolved and let it cool a little.
Add the brine to the jar, then tap the jar on your countertop to remove any air bubbles. Tightly screw on the lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 48 hours.
Easy peasy.
You can enjoy delicious pickled veg in no time, and it’ll keep in your fridge for around two months!
Give to a food bank
We all have tins at the back of the cupboard that have been there for months.
Tidy your cupboards, dig out those items and donate them to a charity or food bank.
Not only will it stop that food from being wasted, but you’ll be helping a great cause too.
A great one to donate to is the UAE food Bank.
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