Save £50 each month on food

The demonstration is part of the Department of the Environment’s ‘Rethink Waste’ campaign.

Most householders could save £50 a month on food - to find out how, come along to the event at the Diamond between 12 noon and 4pm, when advice and support on what you can cook up at home will be given.

Alex Attwood, Environment Minister said: “These ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ cookery demonstrations, organised in conjunction with local councils, provide real food for thought on how much food we waste and provide simple ways to reduce waste going to landfill.

“We all have an interest in reducing waste to landfill as in the future we could face huge European Union fines and increasing landfill tax costs, which will ultimately add to our rates bills. I encourage people to go along and visit this demonstration - I have attended and indeed participated at some of these myself and found that the hints, tips and recipes provide a really common sense and easy solution to reducing waste, saving money and helping the environment.”

Fiona Watters, Waste and Recycling Officer with Coleraine Borough Council added: “The amount of food we throw out is staggering.

“One out of every three bags of shopping ends up in the bin. Until I really started looking in my own bin, I wouldn’t have believed how much I was throwing out – albeit in the compost bin.

“Wherever it ends up, it is still a waste of money and food. In my house we are guilty of binning the last few slices of bread, yoghurt, lettuce, fruit and potatoes.

“The good news is that there are a few quick and easy things we can all do to reduce the amount of food we throw away. I find the trick is to plan ahead, buy less in the first place and freeze what I can until I need it. Using leftovers really is a handy way to make the next meal and I can’t wait to see what our professional chef is going to cook up for us.”

The Coleraine cookery demonstration is the start of the borough’s support to promote Recycle Week, which runs from June 21-26.