Environmental campaigns tell us how to save electricity, what we should do to try to reduce pollution, and how to avoid wasting water. The most recent campaign invites us to reduce food waste, helping ourselves, our pockets and our planet.

Millions around the world go without regular food, which makes throwing food away more of a waste. In addition, there is the environmental aspect too, which we often ignore. When we throw away food we are throwing away the resources and hours spent to produce that particular food: harvesting, soil, acres of land and large amounts of freshwater.

We might not be policy makers, but we can still help leave a better planet for future generations. Put the following ideas into practice and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

1. Food scraps can be used for compost Food scraps that are usually thrown away can easily be turned into compost which can be used in gardens and also for household plants. Compost provides nourishment for your soil, helping your plants grow healthily, helping to reduce the environmental costs of landfills.

2. Order thoughtfully when eating out When ordering a starter, share with others so that you avoid leaving your main course half eaten.  Restaurants are often willing to prepare 'doggy' bags with food which you do not eat. When returning home, store it properly in the fridge and use it within the next few hours or else you'll end up throwing it in your bin just the same.

3. Learn how to say 'no, thank you' When you order a main course and waiters offer you additional sauces, salads, vegetables or potatoes, be sure what you would like to eat.  Don't say 'yes' to everything if you already know that you won't even bother to taste the accompanying salad. No one will be offended if you refuse politely, and food won't be wasted.

4. Plan your meals and buy accordingly Planning your weekly meals will save you lots of money and lots of time, and will cut down on waste. Work out what you need and prepare your shopping list so that you don't buy what's unnecessary. Supermarket displays are designed to tempt you, so be firm and stick to your list. Try not to get carried away by the shiny packets of chocolates, biscuits and gums near the cash tills. 

5. Know what you have Before making another trip to the supermarket, check your fridge and freezer. Look at expiry dates and use perishable items first. At times, you will be surprised how creative you can be in the kitchen with different items which you never thought had something in common. Don't buy more vegetables and fruit than you can store and eat in a few days. If you are the only one in the house who eats apples, buy only 4 or 5. Work out your purchases according to the taste of your family members.

6. Store your food properly Certain foods are spoiled because they are not stored properly. Follow the storage instructions which all products have printed on their packages. If you have leftovers which can be frozen, freeze them. This needs a bit of organisation and a variety of storage containers. Save time: you can also premeasure the frozen items so that they handier when you are in a hurry. ›‹