'˜Good to Go '˜boxes saving your luscious leftovers

Developed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with the Waste Resources Action Programme and sponsored by local waste management company, RiverRidge Recycling, the eco-friendly boxes will be available in these eateries to encourage consumers to take home their leftovers while eating out in support of the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign for Lurgan Town.

Main dishes and side dishes are the most likely to be left behind with chips the most common leftover foods making up 32% of waste. The average cost of avoidable food waste to a business is £0.97 per meal. The ‘Good to Go’ box is the perfect way to reduce this waste which will in turn cut down on waste going to landfill, saving ratepayers and consumers money.

You can reheat your treats when you get home or it’s a ready- made lunch for you the next day! Once finished with the box, put it in your green bin as its 100% recyclable.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Garath Keating, comments “I am delighted to see these innovative boxes launched in Lurgan. The food produced throughout the town is exceptional and it’s a shame to see any of it thrown away or wasted. These boxes are a great way to prevent waste and give diners better value for money - you can eat as much as you like and take home any of the delicious delicacies you were unable to finish hassle free.”

He adds “Council is taking major strides in tackling waste, particularly food waste which not only has a huge impact on resident’s pockets but also on the environment through the energy used in producing and transporting the food.”

Gavin McDonagh, Business Development Manager, RiverRidge Recycling adds; “We are pleased to be involved in the ‘Good to Go’ scheme which has recently launched in Lurgan. Encouraging diners to take home leftover food and cut down on food waste is very important. New food waste legislation came into effect in Northern Ireland in April of this year where businesses now must separate their organic food waste and present it separately for collection. This encourages recycling of organic waste and will reduce the amount going to landfill. It’s great that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are leading the way in encouraging diners to think positively about food waste.” So the next time you’re out in town enjoying a fabulous feast, ask for a ‘Good to Go’!