Throw out old ideas of food waste with Zero Waste Kai Competition!

The Zero Waste Kai Competition, launched today by the Stratford District Council (SDC), encourages residents to bin their old ideas of food waste and use what many would think of as scraps when preparing meals.

People can share their favourite zero or low waste recipes to go in the draw to win a sustainable prize pack worth $100. Every entrant will also receive a free Love Food Hate Waste recipe book.

Peter McNamara, SDC Waste and Water Education Officer, says Kiwis throw away 157,389 tonnes of food every year.

“Food waste comes at a triple cost. When you throw out food, it’s like you’re throwing out the money you spent on it too. Edible food waste impacts the amount of rubbish going to landfill, which is an expense to ratepayers, and our environment is also affected,” says Peter.

“I really encourage people to look at food a little differently. You might usually throw out the broccoli stem or apple peels, but what if you added them into your meal or snack? Edible leaves, stems, and peels, often have heaps of flavour and nutrients.”

The Zero Waste Kai Competition runs during the October school holidays, from Monday 3 October to Sunday 16 October 2022. Lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz has waste free recipes and tips that people can use for inspiration.

Stratford District residents can enter online at Stratford.govt.nz/zerowaste. Entry forms are also available from the Stratford Library and Visitor Information Center and the Council Service Center.

Peter says the competition is a fun activity that families can do together during the school holidays.

“If you don’t already have a favourite low waste recipe, come up with one with your tamariki. Be creative, be experimental, and have fun with it!” says Peter.