Photo: Contiki
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Travelling can be an exciting experience, offering you new cultures, cuisines, and adventures. However, it can also lead to unintended consequences, such as food waste. Food waste is a significant issue globally. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, tourists generate over 1.3 billion tons of food waste annually, which accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Learning how to avoid food waste while travelling is not only good for the environment but also beneficial for your wallet. This article will guide you through practical tips to reduce food waste, so that you can travel more responsibly whether you’re preparing for your next trip, exploring new destinations, or simply snacking on the go.
Pre-Departure
1. Empty your fridge
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to plan your meals wisely to minimize discarded food. A week before you leave, start using up perishable items. Create meals around what you already have in your fridge and pantry. Websites like SuperCook can help you find recipes based on the ingredients you need to use up.
2. Lighter shopping
In the week leading up to your departure, avoid doing a big grocery shop. Instead, buy only what you need for the days remaining before your trip. Opt for smaller quantities or single servings of perishable items. If you do have leftovers, consider freezing them. Many foods can be safely frozen and consumed later, reducing waste.
3. Donate unused food
If you have non-perishable food items that you won’t be able to consume before you leave, consider donating them to local food banks. Many food banks have drop-off points where you can donate canned goods, pasta, rice, and other non-perishables that you won’t use before your trip, ensuring they benefit those in need rather than sitting unused.
4. Educate yourself
Understanding the impact of food waste can motivate you to make more sustainable choices. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. Travellers contribute to this through discarded food and uneaten leftovers. By being mindful and making conscious decisions, you can play a part in reducing this statistic.
Image source:Contiki
Travelling solo
1. Plan your meals
When travelling alone, it’s easier to overestimate the amount of food you need. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid purchasing too much. Opt for places that offer smaller portions or allow you to customize your order to suit your appetite.
2. Use leftovers wisely
If you find yourself with leftovers, consider saving them for your next meal instead of discarding them. Many accommodations provide refrigerators and microwaves, making it easy to reheat food. This not only helps reduce food waste but also saves you money. If your accommodation does not provide any means of storing or cooking food, avoid purchasing any perishable items you won’t finish while on the road.
3. Compost when possible
If you’re staying in accommodations with composting facilities, make use of them. Composting helps reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills and can be beneficial for the environment.
Image source:Contiki
Travelling with Contiki
1. Group meals
Travelling with a group, such as with Contiki, can be a bit challenging when it comes to food waste. When participating in Contiki buffet style meals, encourage your group to serve themselves moderate portions initially. It’s always better to take a second serving than to have to discard excess food.
2. Share dishes
When you have the option to dine out with your Contiki group, consider sharing dishes with your fellow travelers. This way, you can all sample various local cuisines without ordering too much. Sharing is particularly useful when trying unfamiliar foods, as you might not always enjoy everything you order. You can also offer to split a dish with a fellow Contiki friend if you think the portion size will be too large for you.
3. Stay at the Château or Gasthof
Contiki owns two brilliant properties in Europe: the Château de Cruix in France’s Beaujolais wine region, and Haus Schöneck in the Austrian Alps. Not only are these properties totally unique and beautiful, but they actually offer sustainable eating solutions!
The kitchens are kitted with a Kitro, a device which monitors food waste and makes calculations to avoid that waste next time. In 2023, the implementation of Kitro allowed the Château to reduce food waste by 6%, and Haus Schöneck by 7% in only 6 months!
Image source:Contiki
Restaurants
1. Try local, order wisely
Exploring local cuisine is one of the many highlights of travelling. Eating at local restaurants like family-run establishments, or secret spots unknown to most tourists, is a great way to support the local businesses and economy, as well as reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food as many of these restaurants will source their food from other local growers.
However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the amount of food you order. Many restaurants offer large portions, so consider ordering a starter instead of a main course, or share dishes to avoid leftover food.
2. Locate sustainable restaurants
Seek out restaurants that prioritize sustainability and have practices in place to reduce food waste. Many establishments now focus on using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and offer smaller portion sizes. Apps like Too Good To Go can help you find places that sell surplus food at a discount, reducing the amount of food that gets discarded. Eating sustainably is a great way to avoid food waste while travelling.
Image source:Contiki
Snacking on the road
1. Pack smart snacks
When it comes to snacking, opt for non-perishable items that are easy to carry and have a long shelf life. Nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars are great options. These snacks are not only convenient but also help minimize the risk of spoilage and waste.
2. Reusable containers
Use reusable containers for your snacks. This reduces packaging waste and allows you to carry leftovers without needing disposable bags or wraps. Plus, it’s easier to portion out exactly what you need, reducing the likelihood of overpacking and wasting food.
Avoiding food waste while travelling doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can significantly reduce the amount of discarded food and contribute to a more sustainable world. By emptying your fridge before you leave, planning meals while on the road, and choosing sustainable dining options, you can enjoy your travels without the guilt of unnecessary waste. Bon appétit and safe travels!
For more tips on sustainable eating, whether at home or on the go, check out this article onsustainable eating on the go. This guide offers practical advice and insights that can help you make environmentally friendly food choices, no matter where you are.
