Due to planned maintenance some of our online services are currently unavailable. We expect them to be available again by the evening of Sunday 20 September 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Think green ... live clean - eat for the planet
What we eat does not just affect our health - it can help the planet, too. Choosing more plant-based meals and reducing food waste supports a greener, cleaner environment.
In the UK, we waste around 9.5 million tonnes of food every year, enough to fill 4,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Shockingly, 70% of this waste comes from households, and over 4.5 million tonnes of it are still edible.
When food ends up in landfill, it releases methane - a powerful greenhouse gas. UK food waste generates 25 million tonnes of CO emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions from 3.5 million cars.
But there's good news: composting food scraps returns nutrients to the soil, helping green plants grow strong and healthy.
By planning meals, storing food properly, and composting leftovers, we can all make a difference. Think green when you eat because small changes at home can help the planet thrive.
Ways to eat and save the planet ...
Eat more plants - choose vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes-they use fewer resources and produce fewer emissions.
Cut down on food waste - plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers. UK households waste 4.5 million tonnes of edible food each year.
Compost food scraps - turn peels, cores, and leftovers into nutrient-rich compost to feed green plants and reduce landfill waste.
Buy local and seasonal - support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of transporting food long distances.
Grow your own - even a windowsill herb garden helps reduce packaging and transport emissions.
Choose organic if you can - organic farming supports soil health and biodiversity.
Reduce meat and dairy - livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gases.
Avoid over-packaged foods - choose loose produce or items with minimal, recyclable packaging.
Support sustainable brands - look for eco-labels and companies committed to ethical, green practices.
Share and donate - share surplus food with neighbours or donate to local food banks to prevent waste.
Eating more plant - based meals is one of the easiest ways to fight climate change - why not start by having a meat-free Monday, shop for local veggies and get creative in the kitchen!
Read more here: Food and Climate Change: Healthy diets for a healthier planet | United Nations