Food waste remains a significant issue for households and communities. With the mandated rollout of FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collection services by NSW Councils by 2030, the need to pair these initiatives with strong education programs is more critical than ever. That’s where Good For The Hood (or we?) comes in.

Why is Food Waste Such A Big Problem?

Food waste isn’t just about tossing out leftovers, it’s a massive issue with serious financial, environmental, and social impacts.

According to The Great Unwaste, every day, Australian homes throw away the equivalent of 7.7 million meals, that’s enough to feed the entire population of Sydney.

This waste isn’t just about discarded food, it is also costing Aussie homes over $2,500 per year! 

Aside from the loss of money in your wallet, food waste is fueling climate change.  When food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂. But there’s hope, if we work on halving food waste by 2030 we could remove 50 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste isn’t just good for our wallets, it’s essential for the planet.

What can be done about it?

We recently partnered with Blacktown City Council to create a Food Waste Education Video aimed at preparing residents for the upcoming FOGO rollout. This engaging and practical resource demonstrates simple strategies for reducing food waste at home, helping residents save money while building sustainable habits.

Why Education and Food Waste Avoidance Go Hand-in-Hand

FOGO bins are a crucial part of the food waste solution, but they’re most effective when paired with education, and we recommend councils start at least two years before the service is planned to commence. By teaching residents how to reduce food waste from the start, whether through better fridge organisation, meal planning, or smarter storage, we raise awareness of the issue and get residents to understand the need for a solution. Of course, a reduction of food waste in the bin is also a bonus.

Simple, Practical Solutions for Real Impact

Our approach is all based on behavioural research and framed on simple and practical tips. Reaching residents through various mediums is critical, and video is one of the most effective. When education complements FOGO initiatives, the combination leads to greater community buy-in and a greater chance of positive behaviour change.

Partner with Us

At Good For The Hood, we specialise in creating educational programs that empower residents to adopt the desired sustainable behaviours. Whether it’s food waste education, FOGO readiness, or workshops tailored to your community’s needs, we’re here to help.

Ready to reduce food waste in your council area?



Let’s work together to make a difference