"Don't throw me away!": Commitment against food waste

Food waste represents a substantial issue with both economic and environmental repercussions. Notably, food waste contributes to 16 percent of the EU's annual greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, Germany discarded approximately 12 million tons of food, representing about 23 percent of the nation's total food supply. Private households were responsible for 59 percent of this waste.

To combat significant waste, the Regional Environmental Education Centre Hollen e.V. initiated "Don't throw me away." This initiative seeks to diminish food waste and educates primarily primary school students about the value and proper management of food. Annually, it reaches about 50 primary schools to deliver on-site information through table and floor games, along with other kid-friendly resources. It addresses questions like: How does discarding my food impact the climate? What's the best way to store food in the fridge? What's the journey of food from the farm to our plates? The children then share their newfound knowledge with their families, spreading the message further.

Moreover, the initiative provides digital offerings, including a podcast and downloadable materials. It maintains a presence on Instagram and collaborates with GEOlino magazine and Toppits® for the "Don't throw me away!" contest.

Pupils learn the origins of food, the complexity of its production, and methods to avoid food waste.

A highlight: "Don't Throw Me Away" at the Week of the Environment in Berlin

This year's standout event was the showcase of the "Don't Throw Me Away" initiative during the "Week of the Environment" held in the Bellevue Palace gardens in Berlin. The Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) extended the invitations. With the theme "Together for Climate Neutrality," politicians, experts, and the public engaged in a two-day dialogue on environmental, climate, and resource conservation strategies.

Throughout the event, the 12,000 attendees were immersed in discussions on climate change and resource conservation. "We're delighted to have presented 'Don't Discard Me' on-site. The opportunity to discuss our initiative in such a setting was incredibly enriching – the ambiance was delightful, and the audience was highly engaged," remarked Claudia Kay-Rudhardt, the initiative's leader. "Don't Throw Me Away" was among the approximately 190 exhibitors who introduced their innovative environmental protection solutions.