Small Steps for Change: Food

Article written by: Laura Pearson and supported by Dunfermline Greenspace (www.dunfermlinegreenspace.org)

Climate change is a very important topic at the moment, and with recent news of forest fires, unseasonably high temperatures and flash floods, it’s definitely important for us to think about our impact on the planet.

What we eat and what we do with our food waste are two key ways we can care for our planet and our local environment. We can all play our part in making small changes that add up to a big difference.

Which of these key actions do you already do? And which could you add into your life?

Buy local - Locally grown food takes less energy to transport and supports the economy where you live. You might also find that local fruits and vegetables taste better than those bought from the supermarket as they are often fresher and organic. One local supplier is Benarty Fruits who will also deliver to your door for a small cost.

Grow your own - You can get creative and find space in even the smallest garden to grow some fruit and veggies. Strawberries are an easy fruit to grow, and taste incredible when picked and eaten straight from the plant. A sack and some compost will enable you to grow potatoes in your garden, and garden peas are surprisingly hardy little growers. Why not pick one or two veggies to grow this year and see for yourself how easy it is and how engrossing it is watching the wee shoots appearing?

Reduce your meat - one day a week of no meat can make a world of difference. Animal agriculture results in vast amounts of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere and uses a lot of resources, like land, grain and water. Find out more at: www.meatfreemondays.com

Compost at home - This is a great option for fruit and veg waste and garden waste. You can get a reasonably priced compost bin and within a year or two the waste will provide you with a great compost for your garden.

Council Recycling - Your brown bin is the best place for recycling your food waste that can’t go in a garden compost, including cooked fruit and vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, plate scrapings. You can use newspaper, used office paper, or a paper bag to wrap your food waste if you don’t have any food waste bags.