As the cost of living continues to rise, especially impacting those with lower incomes who often struggle to afford healthy food, food waste remains a prevalent issue in UK households. On average, UK households waste approximately 68 kilograms of fruit and vegetables each year, contributing to financial strain and environmental damage. Globally, food waste generates about 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, arising from unused food at various stages of the supply chain.
However, a recent study has shed light on a promising solution: individuals who cultivate their own food in gardens and allotments waste just 3.4 kilograms of fruits and vegetables on average, a staggering 95% less than the UK average. These households have adopted practices to minimize food waste, including preserving surplus produce or sharing it with others.
The resurgence of interest in growing fresh produce in gardens, community gardens, and allotments in the UK and beyond has been evident in recent years. Nevertheless, the current availability of allotments falls short of meeting the growing demand. Allocating additional land for household fruit and vegetable cultivation could play a significant role in enhancing the accessibility of fresh produce for urban residents.
Research demonstrates that dedicating a mere 10% of available space in cities like Sheffield, England, for food cultivation could supply enough fruit and vegetables to meet the needs of 15% of the population. By encouraging more people to engage in homegrown food production, not only can we promote healthier eating habits but also reduce food waste, benefiting both individuals and the environment.
