In year 2025, food waste remains one of Cyprus’ most urgent environmental challenges, despite rising awareness and policy efforts, the issue remains critical. According to Eurostat, Cyprus continues to rank as the leading country in food waste per capita in the European Union, followed by Denmark, a troubling position that highlights the scale of the problem.
This level of waste puts the island at risk of serious environmental damage and can lead to EU regulation breaches, especially as European policies around sustainability and circular economy targets become more stringent. With the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) system around the corner, Cypriot households will be held accountable for the amount of waste they produce. This system is a practical application of the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle, which asserts that those who generate waste should pay the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment. By shifting responsibility directly onto waste producers, PAYT encourages more sustainable consumption habits and waste reduction at the source. Reducing food waste at home is not only essential for the environment but also increasingly necessary to avoid financial penalties.
By implementing some alternative ways of shopping, storing and cooking, we can significantly reduce food waste production at home. Below are three simple practices that can help reduce food waste at home:
- Planning before grocery shopping: Traditionally, people tend to buy more groceries than needed. Imagine yourself and how you act at the supermarket without a list. By planning meals for the week and shopping accordingly, families can drastically reduce the amount of food thrown out and in parallel save money. This is especially important in Cyprus, where buying in bulk from supermarkets or local markets is common and often leads to excess. Start by keeping a running list of meals that your household enjoys and cooks regularly. This will make meal planning easier and more consistent. Use this list to plan your meals for the week ahead, selecting dishes that use overlapping ingredients to minimize waste. Before heading to the supermarket, check what you already have at home, especially perishable items like dairy, vegetables, or fresh herbs. Buying duplicates of items you already own increases the risk of spoilage and unnecessary spending.
- Proper food storage: Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of food and reducing waste, especially in Cyprus’ warm climate. Did you know that most vegetables should be kept on the high humidity shelves of the refrigerator? This help them retain their freshness by preventing moisture loss. In contrast, fruits generally do better in low humidity areas where air circulation slows down decay. It’s also important to be aware that some fruits—such as bananas, apples, and pears—release ethylene gas as they ripen. This gas can cause early fruits and vegetables to spoil faster, so it’s a good idea to compartmentalize your fridge by grouping foods according to their storage needs and characteristics. Additionally, using airtight containers, labeling leftovers with dates, and storing herbs upright in water can further help reduce waste and save money.
- Cook and prepare wisely: Utilising ingredients that have passed their prime can reduce waste while maintaining their nutritional value and taste. For example, stale bread can be transformed into breadcrumbs for garnishing dishes, matured lemons still provide lemon juice, and overripe fruit is perfect for making jams or smoothies. Additionally, cooking just the right amount of food for the number of people eating, and serving portions that match appetites, are key steps to minimizing leftover waste. Since unfinished meals are one of the largest contributors to household food waste, being mindful during preparation and serving can make a big difference.
By adopting these simple yet effective practices you can significantly reduce food waste at home. Not only will this help protect environment and support the country’s compliance with EU regulations, but it will also lighten the burden on your household budget, especially with the implementation of PAYT system.
More info on best practices can be found on the website of Life Foodprint, in the section ‘Information Material’.
Let’s all take action today, because saving food means saving money, conserving resources, and protecting the beautiful environment that makes Cyprus home.
by Maria Ttakka
Sustainability Consultant
