Lent is traditionally a time when many of us will be giving up something, typically a foodstuff, whether that be chocolate, alcohol, etc. I hope that in Britain we might also be keen to give up something more important, namely wasting food.

It has been reported that across the UK families throw away 24 meals a month. The amount of food we waste as a country is shocking and I confess that sometimes I too have sadly had to throw away items because they have gone off, especially at Christmas time. That is why this Lent I am giving up wasting any food. I will not buy any more than I can consume so I can be sure that I will not be contributing to the 4.2m tonnes of food and drink which could have been consumed each year, but is thrown away. I certainly will continue this after Lent and I hope that all of us will do what we can to reduce the amount of food that is wasted each year.

Cllr Martin Schmierer, Green Party Councillor for Mancroft Ward, West Parade, Norwich.