British sourcing, ethics and sustainability

Empowering member owners to choose local food and make sustainable choices and changes, both at home and in their community.

5 top tips to help you prevent food waste

You can find more top tips to prevent food waste on our website or pop along to a local event near you.

If you need a handy resource for events or activities you’re running or just want a version to pin to your fridge, download our leaflet.

1. Track and change

Spend a week jotting down the food you throw away, why you wasted it and how much it costs. Knowing what you waste and why, helps you make small changes and save money.

2. Plan to prevent

Check your fridge and cupboards before you go food shopping, plan your meals for the week and make a shopping list so you only buy what you need. See our handy meal planner or Hubbub’s tips for meal prepping like a pro.

3. Store for success

Keep your fridge at 5 degrees or below and read our food storage tips. Remember the freezer is your friend! Check out Hubbub’s guide to freezable ingredients – it might surprise you.

4. Value your food

Producing food takes a lot of labour, land, water, and energy. If you eat and enjoy your food instead of wasting it, you’re helping the planet and saving money. Our recipes can help you make the most of any ingredient.

5. Sharing is caring

If you do have excess food, contact your local Community Fridge or Your Local Pantry to see if they can use it. Through our Partnerships with Hubbub and Your Local Pantry, we’ve doubled the network of Community Fridges and Local Pantries across the UK.

4 easy changes you can do at home to save on water consumption

You can learn more about Co-op’s action on water security on our website.

If you need a handy resource for events or activities you’re running or just want a version to pin to your fridge, download our leaflet.

In the kitchen:

Fix leaks. A dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres a year.
Use a bowl to wash vegetables instead of running water (and then reuse that greywater for watering plants).
Run dishwashers only when full and avoid pre-rinsing dishes – scrape them instead.

In the bathroom:

Take shorter showers – aim for 4 minutes.
Install water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets.

In the garden:

Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
Use a watering can instead of a hose.
Collect rainwater in a water butt for plants.

In the laundry:

Wash full loads only.
Use eco settings on your washing machine.