The CGF Launches ‘The Sustainable Kitchen’: An Online Hub Showcasing Industry Best Practice to Inspire Healthier Cooking and Less Food Waste

Features of The Sustainable Kitchen

The Sustainable Kitchen brings together a diverse collection of recipes from more than 20 global member companies, each designed with a dual focus on educating consumers to minimise food waste and maximise nutritional value. Key features include:

• Food Waste Tips: Practical advice on how to reduce food waste at home, including storage solutions, portion control, and creative ways to use leftovers.
• Nutritional Information: Detailed nutritional breakdowns for each recipe, helping users make informed choices about their diet.
• Local Ingredients: Emphasis on using locally-sourced, seasonal, and more sustainable ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of meals.
• CEO Favourites: A number of CEOs of CGF member companies have lent their name to a recipe which holds personal significance for them. 

Addressing Critical Global Challenges

If food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), food loss and waste account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. Concurrently, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1 in 3 people worldwide are malnourished, costing the global economy an estimated $3.5 trillion annually. Preventative measures are one of the best ways of combating the alarming rise in malnutrition-related disease. For example, the WHO cites a healthy diet and regular physical activity as ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Tony McElroy, Head of Campaigns, Tesco, said:

“No good food should ever go to waste, and collectively as an industry, we must work together and accelerate our efforts to eliminate this. The Sustainable Kitchen provides practical solutions for reducing food waste and encouraging a more sustainable approach to food, and at Tesco, we continue to support customers in using up the food they have at home, via tips and recipes on our Real Food website.”

Annabelle Souchon, Responsible RSE, Bel, said:

“Food waste is a critical environmental and social issue, and addressing it requires a collective effort. The Sustainable Kitchen not only provides practical solutions for reducing waste but also encourages a more mindful approach to food. We call for all food actors to help their consumers adopt more sustainable habits.”

A Collaborative Effort

The launch of The Sustainable Kitchen is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the CGF’s Coalitions of Actions, and illustrates the interconnectedness of sustainability issues. The Food Waste Coalition of Action is dedicated to halving food loss and waste in their supply chains, aligned with meeting Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. The Coalition’s Consumer Engagement workstream is focused on inspiring consumer behaviour change, a critical component in achieving this goal.

This aligns with the Collaboration for Healthier Lives Coalition of Action priority of Behaviour Change through Local Action, that aims to influence consumer behaviour with a view on encouraging and enabling healthier, more sustainable habits. By integrating nutritional education and promoting healthier lifestyle choices, this Coalition plays a crucial role in addressing the global malnutrition crisis.

Explore The Sustainable Kitchen and join the movement towards a more sustainable and healthier future: www.thesustainablekitchen.com. If you would like to submit recipes or resources please contact hs@theconsumergoodsforum.com.