Richmond will be hosting its ‘Waste-Less Food Festival’ that is aimed at giving residents tips on how to reduce their waste.

Richmond is one of twelve London boroughs taking part in the Small Change, Big Difference campaign which encourages Londoners make a big difference to their health, pockets and the planet by getting savvier with their food.

And, on October 20th between 11:00am and 04:00pm the Council will be providing advice at the Richmond Library Annexe so that people will be able to properly recycle any food that can not be used, eat sustainably and lessen the amount of food that is thrown away.

Ali Moore, from the Small Change, Big Difference campaign, added: “By concentrating on small changes, such as freezing your bread or recycling banana skins, we can make a big difference - one recycled banana peel could generate enough electricity to fully charge your mobile phone twice!

“We’re looking forward to all of Richmond upon Thames activities and are excited to have the borough take part.”

The festival will also include insightful talks and workshop cooking demonstrations with Chef Ann Storr from Olio who will be sharing food tips, hints and will also use left-over food for good causes with The Felix Project.

The campaign focuses on eating more healthily and sustainably, reducing the amount of food wasted at home and recycling more of the inedible bits.

It will also be a week of celebrations for the work that Londoners have done over the last two years as part of the campaign.

Richmond estimates that Londoners spend at least £1.4 billion a year buying food which in turn results in councils paying £50 million to dispose of the food that residents have thrown away.

Not only is this waste environmentally damaging, but families could save up to £70 a month by slightly changing their shopping habits, preparing, storing and eating their food.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Leader Member for Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport for Richmond Council, said: “Over13 per cent of what we throw away is food waste.

“Londoners throw away almost 910,000 tonnes of food each year.

“We must all more conscious about the food we are buying and wasting.

“We want to help our residents save money and live more sustainable lives by reducing and recycling food waste and at our Waste-Less Food Fest we will be providing tips showing just how making one or two small changes can make a big difference.”

To reserve a spot at the Waste-Less Food Fest, go to:

http://smallchangebigdifference.london/events/waste-less-food-fest/

And for more information on the campaign visit:

www.smallchangebigdifference.london