(5) The Environment

Although there is a great deal of debate about waste and its impact on the environment, in fact as yet very little is known about the quantity of food and packaging waste that is actually generated, precisely what it consists of, and more importantly the reasons why its' there.

The Larder Bytes approach to waste reduction is to address the root causes of waste in the following three areas;

1. Food waste
2. Packaging waste
3. Carbon emissions


The system focuses on measuring and reducing the volume of food and packaging being purchased. These quantities are optimized by the supply chain creating a gradual convergence between supply and demand. This level of convergence is far easier for local producers and merchants to achieve than it is for major retailers.

Carbon emissions and traffic congestion are addressed by reducing food miles using local produce and a local collection and distribution network.

EU Landfill Directive has set demanding targets as follows;

By 2010 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 75% of that produced in 1995.
By 2013 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 50% of that produced in 1995.
By 2020 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 35% of that produced in 1995.


Local authorities who fail to meet the requirements of this directive may incur a heavy fine or penalty, The cost of which will be met by the consumer either directly or indireclty.

All of the above contribute to the creation of GHG omissions as well as waste going into landfill. It should be remembered that waste is not only harmful to the environment but also to the pocket who wants to buy anything just to throw it in the bin. In addition consumers are paying for waste both directly and indirectly, through the purchase and disposal of unwanted / unnecessary food as well as taxes and community charges. Needless to say the same applies to business only on a larger scale.