Children learn new tricks to help waste less food
Hundreds of primary school children in Norfolk will be treated to an entertaining and action packed theatre performance to inspire them to think about ways of reducing the amount of food that gets wasted every day.
Organised by Norfolk County Council's School Waste Action Club (SWAC)*, the "Great Taste Less Waste" show will be performed by Circus Take-Away and will start touring the county from Monday 22 June as part of National Recycle Week (22-26 June 2009).
"Great Taste Less Waste" features the story of gullible Joe King who is tempted by the "buy one get one free" offers at his supermarket but finds he has problems storing all his food when he gets home. Desperate for help, Joe phones a friend who comes to his rescue with some fantastic recipes for using leftovers. The show is spiked with magic, fun and juggling as well as interesting facts and tips for tackling food waste.
Ian Monson, Cabinet member for Environment and Waste, Norfolk County Council, said: "Reducing food waste is a major issue. Here in the UK households throw away around 6.7 million tonnes of food every year, which is around a third of the food we actually buy. This wasted food costs the average family £420 a year and has serious environmental implications too because it tends to end up in landfill sites where, rather than harmlessly decomposing as many people think, it rots and, without oxygen releases methane, one of the most powerful greenhouse gases.
"Luckily there are some really quick and easy things we can all do to reduce the amount of food we throw away and it is vital that we encourage the next generation to embrace these ideas. The "Great Taste Less Waste" tour is a fun and educational way to encourage them to make changes which will have a real impact in the future."
Cressy McLaughlin , Waste Reduction Officer, Norfolk County Council, added:
"The children we meet in schools are working really hard to reduce waste. This educational theatre is an exciting way to thank them for their efforts and provide a memorable experience for them at the same time. The show includes games like "The Lunchtime Lotto" a hands on session to show how leftovers can be turned into a tasty meal. The children will also be taught an interactive song which will help them to remember some simple ideas for reducing food waste that they can put into practice when they go home."
SWAC offers a number of free waste awareness activities to all Norfolk schools. Schools interested in a visit from the SWAC team, can call 0844 800 8004 or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/swac
Everything Rosy in Recycled Gardens
The winners of the Recycled Garden project will be revealed during National Recycle Week. Primary school children across the county with an interest in environmental issues, gardening and art and design have been gearing up to this event for several weeks by designing and creating 2m x 2m gardens purely out of recyclable materials.
Judges have been receiving photographs and descriptions showcasing the children's work and these will be used to select a winner and two runners up who will all receive some fantastic prizes for their schools. The best design will also be displayed at this year's Norfolk Show.
