Bremen is fighting against food waste: Action week starts!

Bremen is fighting against food waste: Action week starts!

In Germany, around a third of all food is lost every year, which is around 11 million tonnes. On the occasion of the “Too good for the bin” campaign week, which takes place from September 29th to October 6th, a strong signal is being sent against food waste. This initiative, which is now being organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Community for the sixth time, aims to raise awareness of the appreciation of food. Weser courier reports that numerous activities are planned in Bremen, including online seminars that provide tips and tricks for avoiding waste.

The SPD pays particular attention to the issue of “containers”. SPD politician Esra Limbacher demands that it should be made easier for retailers to donate edible food. In her opinion, it shouldn't be cheaper for supermarkets to throw away food than to donate it. She is in favor of legalizing (illegal) containers in order to save more food. However, the Federal Association of the German Food Trade rejects these proposals, among other things because of liability concerns. ZDF provides further insights into the current debate.

The offer in Bremen

The role of the “Too good to go” app, which enables users in Bremen to purchase unsold food at reduced prices, is particularly positive. There are around 400 advertisements active in the Hanseatic city, which puts Bremen in third place in the federal state comparison for saving food. Over 175,000 partners in 19 countries make the app a real success. Weser courier lists a number of participating providers, including restaurants, bakeries and even gas stations. Particularly worth mentioning are the Aperitivo Bar, the Stadtmusikantenbistro, Bremer Brötchen and many more.

The surprise bags that you can get hold of via the app cost between 2.66 and 8 euros, depending on the provider. The Bremen Student Union has also been testing the app in several canteens since 2022, which promotes the recycling of food in educational institutions. Just by saving one or two bags per week, users can save around 630 euros annually. BMLEH emphasizes that the campaign week not only focuses on saving food, but also aims to appreciate food in everyday life.

Focus on food waste

The campaign week brings with it various hands-on activities, ranging from quizzes to cooking workshops to slicing parties. In particular, retailers, restaurants, schools and daycare centers are involved in the campaigns in order to pursue a common goal: less food waste and more sustainability in the use of our food. The issue is more relevant than ever, because according to the latest figures, private households account for 58 percent of food waste, while the food trade only accounts for 7 percent. ZDF provides an overview of the dimensions of the problem.

The “Too good for the bin” campaign week is not just an appeal to the catering and retail sectors, but rather an invitation to all of us to be more conscious about our food. Anyone who would like to take up the signal can take an active part and make a contribution to protecting our environment and our resources.