Exploring the Science of Food Waste

Midlands Science recently completed a science outreach project exploring the science of food waste. The project was supported by the Coca Cola Thank You Fund in association with the Irish Youth Foundation. Through a series of workshops and self-paced learning, the project explored the science of food waste.  It is literally a huge issue. Every year more than 25% of the food produced in the world is wasted. In Ireland best estimates say we waste about750,000 Tonnes of food every year. Growing, processing and transporting food takes a huge amount of resources such as land, water, energy and fertiliser. Wasting food means wasting these resources too.

Through a series of workshops young people learnt about food production and food waste and discussed together actions they could take. Evaluation showed after the workshops young people had more awareness of food waste and its link to climate change. They also indicated they had more confidence now about discussing the issues related to food waste.

Everyone learnt that one way to reduce food waste is to change how you see food. Something that can be seen as waste or not valuable can actually have a big flavour or nutritional benefit. Think before you throw it out, for example, carrot tops are great in a tabbouleh salad or pesto and coriander stems are great for giving curries a bit of a punch!!

Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science commented “we are grateful to the Coca Cola Food and the Irish Youth Foundation for their support for this project exploring the science of food waste. It’s a great example of how science is part of everyday life and how becoming more informed about the science involved in any area of life, can help us make more informed choices.”

More information on Midlands Science can be found on www.midlandsscience.ie