In a bid to help New Zealand households reduce food waste and save the $2.9 billion worth of food that goes to landfill every year, Love Food Hate Waste NZ has launched Beat the Bin, a free, three-week email challenge designed to provide practical, bite-sized actions for busy individuals and families.
With the average Kiwi household throwing away up to 16 supermarket bags of perfectly edible food (86kgs, worth around $1,200), Beat the Bin offers an accessible solution to this pressing issue. Participants will receive weekly emails containing simple tips and challenges focused on smarter storage, effective meal planning, creative use of leftovers, and making the most of every part of their food.
“We understand that many people want to reduce food waste but feel overwhelmed about where to start,” says Sophie Wolland, Project Manager at Love Food Hate Waste NZ. “Beat the Bin is about helping Kiwis take that first step — or get back on track — with reducing food waste. We don’t need perfection from everyone. What we need is millions making progress. Together, so we can save $2.8 billion and dramatically reduce our impact on the planet.”
Each week, participants can choose between a 'Quick Win'—an action that takes less than 5 minutes—and a 'Waste Warrior' challenge for those ready to delve deeper. The program is designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines, ensuring that even the busiest individuals can participate and make a difference.
To incentivise participation, those who sign up during August will have the opportunity to win one of three $500 grocery vouchers, along with weekly spot prizes.
Unlike other initiatives, Beat the Bin is entirely digital, allowing participants to engage with the content at their own pace and convenience. This approach ensures that more New Zealanders can access the resources and support needed to tackle food waste effectively.
“Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make lasting changes,” adds Wolland. “By delivering the program directly to their inboxes, we're making it as easy as possible for people to get involved, share with friends and take action against food waste.”
Sign up to start making a difference by visiting: www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz/beat-the-bin
