On World Environment Day, June 5th, Kilkenny County Council’s Environmental Section is urging residents to take action to reduce their food waste and recycle more effectively. Food waste is a significant issue in Kilkenny, with over 1,000 tonnes of edible food going to waste each year. This not only has environmental implications, but also has a significant impact on the community’s resources and budget.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste is the second largest contributor to municipal waste in Ireland, accounting for around 12% of the total waste stream. In Kilkenny, this translates to a significant amount of waste being sent to landfill sites, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.
“Reducing food waste is a critical step in reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment,” said Mags Whelan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Kilkenny County Council. “By taking simple steps such as planning our meals, using up leftovers, and composting food waste, we can make a significant difference. We urge residents to join us in making a commitment to reduce their food waste and recycle more effectively.”
To support residents in reducing their food waste, Kilkenny County Council is providing the following tips:
* Plan your meals and make a shopping list to avoid buying too much food
* Use up leftovers and get creative with recipe ideas
* Compost food waste and turn it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden
* Store food properly to extend its shelf life
* Check your fridge and freezer regularly to ensure that food is not past its expiration date
In addition to these tips, Kilkenny County Council is also highlighting the importance of recycling more effectively. Residents can make a difference by recycling correctly and ensuring that they are putting the right materials in the right bins.
“By recycling more effectively, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites and conserve valuable resources,” said Eamonn Morrissey, Executive Chemist, Environmental department of Kilkenny County Council. “We encourage residents to take a few minutes each week to sort their recyclables and make sure they are putting them in the correct bins. Every little bit counts!”
“The brown bin is now a crucial part of Kilkenny’s waste management system, allowing households to divert food waste from landfill sites and turn it into nutrient-rich compost instead. This not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill, but also helps to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By placing food waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, and bread, into the brown bin, residents can help to reduce their environmental impact and support a more sustainable future for Kilkenny.”
To mark World Environment Day, Kilkenny County Council will be hosting an online workshop on “Reducing Your Food Waste” with Aoife Munn on Thursday 7th of June at 7pm. You can register in advance for the workshop by emailing environment@kilkennycoco.ie
Mags Whelan, EAO said “You can learn techniques from preserving to perfect storage to ensure you waste less, save more and reduce your impact on the planet. Shopping plans, food storage, Grow Your Own, and zero waste shops are all discussed in this lively online talk. We also look at how you can move your whole community towards reducing their food waste.”
For more information on how to reduce your food waste and recycle more effectively, please visit www.mywaste.ie/dispose-waste/at-home/the-brown-bin/ or contact the Environmental Section of Kilkenny County Council on environment@kilkennycoco.ie or call 056-7794470.
