Reducing Camp Waste
Introduction
Food waste is a huge issue worldwide, with tonnes of food ending up in landfill every year. Not only does this waste valuable resources like water and energy, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In this activity, Scouts will investigate how much food is wasted during a camp or multi-day activity, and explore ways to reduce waste in the future.
What you'll need
- Buckets with lids (or a secure storage method)
- Camp kitchen setup
- Measuring scales (optional – to weigh waste)
- Notebook or whiteboard for tracking waste
- Gloves for handling food waste
- Compost bin or appropriate disposal method
Before you begin
Discuss the importance of food waste with the Unit:
- How much food is wasted daily around the world?
- What happens to food when it ends up in landfill?
- What could be done with food that would otherwise be wasted?
- How much water and energy does it take to grow and produce food?
Plan for the camp:
- Gather buckets to collect food waste – at least one per day (larger groups may need more)
- Ensure buckets have lids or are stored securely to keep wildlife out
- Decide how the Unit will dispose of food waste at the end of the event – composting is a great option!
Activity
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Predict the Waste:
- Ask the Unit to estimate how much food waste they will produce during camp
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Track the Waste:
- During camp, collect all food waste in designated buckets
- This includes:
- Scraps and ingredients wasted while cooking
- Spoiled food that can’t be eaten
- Uneaten leftovers
-
Analyse the Results:
- On the final day of camp, observe how much food waste has been collected
- Compare the actual waste to the Unit’s predictions
Change the challenge level
Easier:
- Focus on just observing the food waste without measuring amounts
- Have Leaders or older Scouts manage the waste tracking
Harder:
- Weigh the collected waste each day and calculate the total waste per person
- Plan meals more carefully and track if improved planning reduces waste
- Research food rescue organisations that accept unused food
Reflection
- Was the amount of food waste more or less than expected?
- Did knowing the waste was being tracked change how Scouts approached their food consumption?
- How can the Unit reduce food waste in the future? (Buying less? Better storage? Different foods?)
- What happened to leftover food at the end of camp? Could it have been donated?
- How can Scouts reduce food waste at home?
- Have other Units in the district tried this? How do their results compare?