A recent study conducted by AO.com, a leading electrical retailer, has unveiled concerning statistics revealing that the average British household discards £450 worth of freezable essential foods annually, amounting to approximately £35,000 over a lifetime.
The survey, which polled over 3,000 respondents, highlighted fruits and vegetables as the most frequently wasted items throughout the week among UK consumers. Shockingly, these perishable goods constitute over 60% (£272.48) of the total food wastage reported each year (£450).
Furthermore, the research indicated that the average weekly grocery expenditure per person stands at £85.72, with respondents admitting to disposing of 10% of the purchased items regularly. Essential groceries like bread, vegetables, and fruits were identified as the primary items prone to wastage, often due to expiration before consumption.
Despite these findings, the study also underscored a potential solution: many commonly wasted items can be preserved by freezing, thereby extending their shelf life. Sarah Heap, a food storage expert at AO.com, expressed concern over the significant amount of food waste, especially in light of current economic challenges.
Heap suggested practical strategies for consumers to mitigate waste, such as portioning out perishables at the beginning of the week and utilizing the freezer effectively. She emphasized the role of technology in sustainable living, advocating for proper food storage practices to maximize freshness.
In conclusion, Heap emphasized, “Technology also has its role to play in helping us to live more sustainably, and it’s important people make the most of the way they store foods to prolong shelf life. For example, all the items listed in our survey can be frozen – such as bread, cheese, stock, and potatoes – if prepared in the right way first.”
This study serves as a timely reminder of the potential savings and environmental benefits achievable through more conscientious food management practices.