In the UK we throw away 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink each year. Most of this ends up in landfill sites, which contributes to climate change because it emits methane, a very powerful greenhouse gas. Not only are the environmental implications huge but the financial ones are too - we buy, and then waste, around £12 billion on food and drink that could have been eaten.

"Love Food Hate Waste" is a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the food waste problem in the UK and providing us all with helpful and practical hints and tips on how to enjoy the food we buy, and cut down on the amount of good food thrown away. Here are some ideas we thought we'd share:

• When cooking for a family - take a few minutes to measure food out - perhaps into a favourite cup - so you get the right portion per person.
• Meals made from leftovers can be delicious and timesaving- whether its food from the night before or food left in the fridge or cupboard. Do your own 'Ready Steady Cook' and see what meals you can make.
• Check what's in your cupboard or freezer - not forgetting the back of your fridge - before you shop for more.
• Make good use of the fridge and freezer to keep food better - for example, most ripe fruit can be kept in the fridge to make it last longer.

Have you got ideas or recipes on making the most of food? Log on to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com and share them with us - we'd love to hear from you.

Source: WRAP Household food and drink waste in the UK, Nov 2009