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Reimagining your food life

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Irish households bin €60 worth of perfectly good food every month – most isn't mouldy leftovers but fresh bread, unused vegetables and meals that never made it to the table. But it doesn’t need to be this way.

Ireland's food scene is embracing smarter ways to feed ourselves. From meal planning tools to leftover recipe inspiration, brilliant alternatives are already thriving across communities. Here's your guide to eating well without filling the bin or emptying your wallet.

If every household in Ireland cut their food waste by 50%…

  • Every home would save €350 a year

  • We'd prevent the equivalent of 200 baguettes from every home going to waste which, if stacked end to end, would reach almost three-times the height of Croke Park

  • We'd collectively cut emissions equivalent to taking approximately 185,000 cars off Irish roads for a year

Plan & Shop Better

Smart Shopping Guide

Check your fridge before shopping, make meal plans based on what needs using up, buy loose produce over pre-packaged when possible. Families who plan their meals can significantly reduce their food waste, putting € back in your pocket.

Understanding Food Labels

"Use By" = safety (meat, fish, ready salads). "Best Before" = quality, not safety (tins and dried goods can be fine after their best before, though quality diminishes). Your freezer can extend some foods by months. Follow "store in cool, dry place" instructions - they're essential for dates to be accurate.

Portion Planning

Cook for your reality, not the package guidance. Make extra portions for tomorrow's lunch. Family-style serving makes for a more enjoyable meal and greater leftovers for future feeds.

Your Circular Food Network

We're growing this list every month. Spot something we've missed or want to share what you're doing? Drop Gordon a line here – we'd love to feature it.

Use It Up

  • Stop Food Waste Stop Food Waste is the national campaign to reduce household food waste in Ireland
  • Grow it Yourself Learn to grow, cook and eat some of your own food.
  • Chef’s Manifesto Chefs from around the world exploring sustainable food.
  • BBC Good Food Don't let anything go to waste with BBC’s top leftover recipes.

Share & Rescue

  • Too Good To Go Rescue surplus food from restaurants, cafes and shops at reduced prices.