Action for Food Waste
Many community groups and individuals throughout the District are undertaking a range of actions which help to reduce food waste.
According to Wrap, 30% of the average general waste bin is made up of food, 20% of which could still have been eaten. Not only will reducing food waste benefit the environment, it will also benefit your pocket as households could potentially save up to £1000 per year.
When food is discarded, the resources including energy and water used to produce, transport and store it are wasted as well. When left to decompose in landfills, food waste emits methane which is a greenhouse gas. Methane has 28 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide on a 100 year scale.
There are lots of small and large actions we can take to reduce food waste but for now, here is what some groups are going locally and in turn benefitting our planet.
Further information is available on our new Climate website.
Rouskey Community and Development Association
Rouskey Community and Development Association is based in the Community Centre in the hamlet of Rouskey which is in a rural area, 3 miles from Gortin, in the heart of the Sperrins. The Centre acts as a hub delivering a range of classes, activities and services to suit the needs and demands of the rural community.
In 2023, a Community Garden was set up adjacent to the Centre with funding received from an AXA Parks Fund. The Community Garden is now a vibrant, community green space where the local community have ‘hands on’ experience of learning to sow seeds, propagate and care for plants which range from fruit, vegetables and herbs to shrubs and trees.
A Gardening Group meets on a weekly basis and they work alongside a facilitator who provides them with the opportunity to learn new skills, increase their knowledge and experience the satisfaction and fulfilment it brings. The Group has been successful in growing a range of produce which the local community can purchase in return for a small donation.
In addition, particular emphasis has been placed on upcycling and recycling where possible to make window boxes, planters and garden furniture etc. for use within the Community Garden. The Garden has evolved into a meeting place for the local community where they can socialise, relax and admire the beautiful backdrop of the Owenkillew valley.
Riverside Allotments, Ballinamallard
At Riverside Allotments, there are currently 7 plot holders along with a number of volunteers who help to maintain the grounds. The plot holders mainly grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and soft fruits including potatoes, leeks, onions, broad beans, french beans, rhubarb, strawberries, garlic, globe artichoke, courgettes, brussels sprouts and kale.
Each year presents itself with a new opportunity to try growing new fruit and vegetables.
The freshly grown harvest such as rhubarb can be made into other foods including bakes and jams. This year, several jars of pickled beetroot were made to share with the group.
Composting can be done individually by plot holders but there is also a communal compost heap which in turn is repurposed throughout the allotment space. The group also grow flowers, both in pots and along the verge at the side of the road to help encourage biodiversity.