NSW initiative tackles food waste at the source

With approximately 1.7 million tonnes of food waste sent to landfill in NSW each year, 100 of the state’s food businesses will be taking part in an initiative that aims to tackle the problem at its source.

Not-for-profit social enterprise Green Connect has received funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Business Food Waste Partnership Grants program to launch the project, in which it will partner with businesses including venues in Mirvac shopping centres and the University of Wollongong.

Food waste drains about $36.6 billion from the Australian economy annually and generates 3% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.¹ The NSW Government has made food waste management a priority, setting government targets to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill by 2030.

Green Connect’s Zero Waste team aims to use insights from its project to create a scalable education model for businesses across NSW.

“With 17.5 million tonnes of CO₂-e generated from the production and disposal of wasted food in Australia every year, our mission is clear,” said Robert Servine, Green Connect General Manager.

“Through partnerships with NSW businesses and organisations, we’re taking positive steps to reduce food waste and protect our planet while supporting meaningful employment opportunities in our community.”

Sarah Clarke, Mirvac Group General Manager, Sustainability, added, “We’re proud to work with Green Connect towards our goal of zero waste to landfill by 2030. By helping our food vendors to reduce waste, we’re making real change together.”

For more information, visit: green-connect.com.au/zero-waste-services.

_{1. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/food-waste}

Images courtesy of Green Connect.