World Environment Day: Simple ways to fight food waste in Ireland with too good to go
Bread, bakery items, fruit, and vegetables are the biggest culprits, and over a third of us admit to regularly throwing away food
Print5 June 2025
Today (5 June) is World Environment Day – a timely reminder that fighting food waste is one of the simplest actions we can all take for the planet, and for our pockets.
In Ireland, households waste up to €374 each year on food that ends up in the bin.
Bread, bakery items, fruit, and vegetables are the biggest culprits, and over a third of us admit to regularly throwing away food.
Food waste isn’t just a personal loss – it’s a climate issue.
Food waste
Around 40% of all food produced worldwide is wasted, and food waste is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In Ireland, approximately 750,000 tonnes of food are wasted each year, making it one of our most urgent environmental challenges.
Since entering the Irish market in 2022, Too Good To Go has saved over 1.6 million Surprise Bags of food from going to waste here and partnered with multiple Irish businesses, including all Aldi stores nationwide.
In the past two years alone, Aldi has saved 250,000 Surprise Bags of food from going to waste.
But you don’t have to be a big chain to play your part – whether you’re a coffee shop in Kinsale or a local restaurant in Carlow, you can sign up to the initiative and make a real difference.
Sophie Trueman, country director for Too Good To Go UK & Ireland, said: “Food waste is one of the simplest problems we can all help solve, starting in our own kitchens.
“The impact goes far beyond what’s on our plates – every Surprise Bag saved means less waste, fewer emissions, and real savings for households and businesses.
“This World Environment Day, we want to remind everyone that it doesn’t matter if you’re a large supermarket, a small café, local pub, or simply someone looking to waste less at home – you can play a part in building a more sustainable future into your everyday life.”
Anyone can play their part in reducing food waste.
Here are some small actions with big impact you can implement in your everyday routine:
Five easy ways to cut food waste at home:
1. Plan your meals and shop with a list: Meal planning isn’t just for super-organised people—it’s a powerful tool to reduce waste and save money. Before heading to the store, take stock of what’s already in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Then, build your meals around what you already have and create a shopping list that fills in the gaps.
2. Store food properly: How and where you store your food can dramatically extend its life. Leafy greens stay crisper in airtight containers, herbs last longer in a jar of water in the fridge, and many fruits like apples and oranges should be kept in a cool, dry place. Your freezer is your best friend—use it to pause time on everything from bread to soups.
3. Trust your senses – look, smell, and taste food before throwing it out, especially if it’s past its Best Before date. Food might look, smell, and taste perfectly fine long after that date has passed. Use your eyes, nose, and common sense to judge whether something’s still good to eat.
4. Love your leftovers: Don’t let last night’s dinner go to waste—transform it! Pasta can become a frittata, roasted veggies can top a grain bowl, and that curry could make an amazing wrap filling. Leftovers are the foundation for quick, delicious meals.
5. Get creative: – Cooking with what you’ve got not only reduces waste, it makes you a better cook. Search your fridge for “last legs” produce and find ways to give them new life—think stir-fries, soups, smoothies, or even pickles.
6. Download the Too Good To Go app: One of the easiest and most impactful ways to fight food waste is by rescuing surplus food from local shops, cafes, and restaurants—often at a third of the original price. The Too Good To Go app connects you with these businesses through “Surprise Bags” filled with perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste.
Read more: Too Good To Go’s top tips for keeping your Valentine’s chocolates fresh
© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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