74% Of Brits Still Unsure How To Identify Sustainable Products

More British shoppers want to be more eco-friendly but a shocking 74% of them are still unsure how to identify sustainable products and activations when shopping in store.  

To be more sustainable, Brits should look to purchase fruit and vegetables grown closer to home, to reduce the significant food miles and lower carbon footprint, minimise the use of plastics and start using resuable packaging.

And with more people home cooking this year, shoppers should be encouraged to purchase seasonal ingredients this autumn, such as pumpkins, mushrooms, carrots and squash.

A recent research commissioned by the UK and Ireland Mushroom Producers found that 24 per cent of respondents rarely or never consider how environmentally friendly the food they eat is. 

What's more, the research shockingly revealed that over 50% of Brits think the seasonal pumpkin is unsustainable, while 45% believe mushrooms are not environmentally friendly at all.  

Contrary to these beliefs, pumpkin production is a sustainable process, with no significant damage to air, water, land, soil or forests. This being said, many pumpkins are still wasted after Halloween takes place, with over 18,030 tonnes discarded in London alone last year. 

This year, it is estimated that 95% of pumpkins are destined to be carved into decorative lanterns, with only around 5% of them used as ingredients in recipes. 

Brits are unaware how simple it is to recycle pumpkins (even the parts you wouldn’t normally eat!) This includes the seeds, pulp and tough outer skin, which can all be recycled with practically no effort.

What’s more, leftover pumpkins can be conveniently utilised in a range of vegan recipes, helping to minimise food waste and create warm, autumnal dishes for all the family. 

Meanwhile, purchasing British and Irish produce such as mushrooms, instead of imported counterparts can help to keep food miles down while reducing carbon footprint. 

In fact, The UK and Ireland Mushroom Producers provide enough mushrooms to supply the whole of the UK’s supermarkets; available 52 weeks of the year. 

Brits can reduce their carbon footprint while supporting local businesses and farmers at the same time.