The coronavirus pandemic is apparently reducing food waste among Canadians.
That is the finding of a survey by the National Zero Waste Council that revealed 24 per cent are throwing away or composing less uneaten food than before the pandemic.
About 50 per cent have the same amount of waste as before while 14 per cent are wasting more food.
Ninety-four per cent want to reduce food waste.
“Certainly at the beginning of COVID-19, when people were shopping more often and buying less food, perhaps that made them more aware of just how much food was in the home and how they can make sure to be wasting less of it,” says Joanne Gauci, an advisor with the National Zero Waste Council.
“So, I see it as a strong indication that Canadians are really concerned about food waste and are trying their best to think about different ways to reduce it.”
Forty-six per cent are checking food stocks before shopping while 33 per cent make shopping lists and 32 per cent make a meal plan for the week ahead.
Forty-one per cent are trying to use leftovers more often. Forty-two per cent are freezing food to extend shelf life while 38 per cent are looking at the best ways to store perishable food.
The survey of 1,200 Canadians was conducted between June 16 and June 24.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
