Food Waste is Out of Taste!

Food waste includes all food and drink, along with associated inedible parts, that are removed from the human food supply chain across sectors like food manufacturing, grocery retail, food service, and households. It’s not just leftovers; it’s any food that ends up unused.

The Problem with Food Waste

The numbers are alarming. Each year, EU countries generate over 59 million tonnes of food waste—about 132 kg per person. Globally, around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted, adding up to 931 million tonnes in 2019. Most of this waste occurs in households, restaurants, and retail.

This waste comes at a steep price. In Europe alone, the economic cost of food waste is estimated at €132 billion per year. Meanwhile, over 37 million people across the EU struggle to afford a quality meal every other day. Food waste also has a significant environmental impact, driving up greenhouse gas emissions and consuming valuable resources like cropland, water, and fertilizers.

European Week for Waste Reduction: Join NIRN in Taking Action

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is a chance for people across Europe to take meaningful action on waste.

This November, the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) is rolling out a series of community-focused initiatives to make a difference:

Community Fridge Hints & Tips Guide: Our latest Hints and Tips video will show you how to set up a community fridge—a simple yet effective way to reduce food waste by making surplus food available to those who need it.

Preloved Christmas Jumper Sale with Ulster University: NIRN is collaborating with Ulster University on a Christmas jumper collection initiative. Staff at the Belfast campus can drop off gently-used jumpers at the UUBS Reception Desk, Level 8, BC-Block. This Belfast-campus pilot will help assess the potential for rolling out similar initiatives to other campuses. Proceeds from the sales will go to FareShare, a charity fighting hunger and food waste, and the Student Welfare Fund, supporting students in need.

Sustainability Event at Queen’s University: On November 18th, join NIRN at 1 Elmwood to celebrate the launch of Queen’s University’s new Student Swap Shop! The Repair Café team from Carryduff will be hosting a pop-up Repair Café focused on clothing and textiles. Discover the world of reuse and repair with NIRN and the Belfast Tool Library, and bring your reuse and reimagine questions to Sue Bramford from Tools for Solidarity, who will be displaying her latest collection of reimagined pieces crafted from preloved textiles.

Don’t forget to bring your own cup for free tea, coffee, and tray bakes!

Get Involved!

NIRN invites all members and supporters to participate in EWWR, whether by attending these events, organizing their own waste-reduction initiatives, or simply raising awareness in their communities. Together, we can make a real difference—reducing waste, supporting those in need, and building a sustainable future.