Irish households waste over €20 worth of food after every BBQ or picnic
Some 32 per cent report tossing out leftovers from BBQs and picnics, with salad being the most commonly wasted item. According to a survey conducted by One Poll for Too Good To Go, over half of respondents throw out leafy veg after dining Al-fresco.
Out of 1,000 adults across the country, 61 per cent cited overestimating how much food they need as the primary cause of waste. In order to reduce waste, shoppers are encouraged to buy with realistic portion sizes in mind and track what gets eaten to improve future shopping.
Freezing leftovers and getting creative with cooking is also a great way to use up any uneaten food. Too Good To Go partners with supermarkets and restaurants including Aldi, SuperValu, SPAR and Offbeat doughnuts.
Through its app, customers can buy surprise bags from these stores for a discounted price. This allows food businesses to sell their leftover stock at the end of the day and eliminate waste.
Speaking about the survey, Machaela O'Leary, sales manager at Too Good To Go Ireland, said: "Summer is a time to enjoy great food and company, but it's also when many households unknowingly waste food and money.
"With an average of over €20 being thrown away after each BBQ or picnic, there's a real need to plan smarter. Using tools like Too Good To Go to rescue surplus food can help families enjoy summer meals without the guilt." Avid user of Too Good To Go Jackie Beecher, from Cork, said the experience inspires how she shops and plans meals.
She said: "Since I started using the app, I'm saving at least €20 a month on groceries all thanks to Surprise Bags from local award-winning Cork stores like Cameron Bakery, Davidsons Craft Butcher, Pana Bread and Ruairi's Kitchen.
"Beyond saving money, there's a great feel-good factor in reducing food waste and shopping sustainably. Whether it's planning a Sunday roast from a Butchers' Surprise Bag or discovering new spots while on holiday, the app is a key part of my routine." Shopping cart, trolley
The sustainable shopper has some top tips for those using the app for the first time. To get the best surprise bags, she says users should set their catchment area to their postcode plus 25km, and favourite everything first then narrow down your choices.
Jackie plans her weekly meals around what she gets in her surprise bag and then freezes what she doesn't eat, even leftovers from the bakery.
While the Cork woman loves a good bargain, she encourages others to only buy a Too Good To Go Bag if they really need it- and not just for the good deal.
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