Local authorities across Essex have come together to tackle food waste in our county.

Love Essex has launched its 2023 flagship ‘Love Essex, Love Food’ campaign in a bid to reduce food waste in the county.

In Essex, food waste currently makes up roughly 25% of the waste found in the general rubbish.

Not only is this contributing to climate change, but it’s also a huge waste of money.

Did you know, the average Essex household wastes £60 a month by throwing away food that could have been eaten?

This is why Love Essex are giving residents the chance to win the equivalent amount in supermarket vouchers every month throughout the year.

All you need to do is sign the Essex Food Waste Pledge, and take part in the monthly challenges.

Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Food waste is a serious issue that we can all play our part in tackling.

“Every year in the UK, we throw away 4.5 million tonnes of food that could have been eaten. This could fill 8 Wembley stadiums or 490,000 bin lorries.

“Sign the Essex Food Waste Pledge and you will get some great ideas on how to make the most of your food and your money. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win £60 supermarket vouchers each month.”

To launch the campaign, Deadline Communications have created a humorous short film to highlight the issue of food waste. The film made the most of local talent, using Essex-based voice actors, puppeteers, and animators. It was filmed in a local studio in Rochford. The film premieres at 10am on Wednesday 11 January. Watch along with us at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9smVgD924k

To find out more information or to sign the Essex Food Waste Pledge, visit loveessex.org/foodwaste.