We all know that woeful feeling of throwing out what was once perfectly good food because we know it’s a waste of money and the resources used to grow and make it.

But did you know that food waste is also a major contributor to climate change? It creates more greenhouse gas emissions than burning coal, producing plastic, extracting oil, and flying.

Sounds outrageous, but think of it this way; it takes 25 years for a lettuce to decompose in landfill. That’s 25 years of releasing methane gas and we’re talking produce rather than something with packaging.

Australians throw out 2.5 million tonnes of food a year and the national target is to halve that by 2030.

It’s why OzHarvest has created a national campaign to tackle household food waste and has created an easy product to help you do that.

Use It Up Tape is a simple concept that will have a big impact on how much food you throw out.

The tape can be used in the fridge, freezer, or pantry to mark where to place food that needs using up, or as stickers on individual items. If you can see what’s just about to expire, you’re more likely to prioritise cooking with it.

That opened tin of baked beans? Turn it into a jaffle.

A wilting bunch of spinach can be cooked with herbs, garlic and chilli to create a pesto-ish pasta sauce.

Stale bread? Whizz it up, fry it and mix through lemon zest and herbs for a tasty pangrattato that can be sprinkled on everything from salads to steamed vegetables as a crunchy flavour-bomb.

OzHarvest CEO Ronni Kahn AO says food waste is “low hanging fruit.”

“Not everyone can afford an electric car or solar panels but reducing the amount of food we waste is something we are all able to do. People are blown away when they learn the number one thing they can do to take climate action starts right now in their kitchen.”

While the tape is a handy visual reminder of what needs to be eaten first, the idea is that it instills a behavioural change. Once you get into the habit of using up what’s been opened, what’s about to expire or what’s a little past it’s best, you’ll reduce your food waste.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll help save the planet. 

Need some recipe ideas? Head to ozharvest.org/useitup and check out delicious.’ Use it Up podcast (no affiliation) at delicious.com.au/podcast