The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, will promote several workshops on the use of food leftovers for the restaurant sector.
 
The workshops are scheduled for September 5 on São Jorge, September 6 on Terceira and September 7 on Graciosa, culminating with the celebrations of the World Food Day on the island of Santa Maria on October 16.
 
Those who are interested should register at Island Natural Parks.
 
Promoted in partnership with the Tourism and Hotel School, this initiative continues the workshops on food waste that took place on the islands of Faial, Pico and São Miguel in 2016 with the aim of preventing the production of food waste. It will focus on contents related to new conservation techniques the appropriate portion menu.
 
Food waste is a major concern in Europe insofar as an estimated 100 million tonnes of food being wasted annually in the European Union. Its reduction requires changes in consumer behaviour.
 
Citizens' behaviours and attitudes are decisive for the success or failure of any waste collection system. There is also the habit of overcooking, incorrect interpretations of shelf life, inadequate management of domestic purchases or purchases of products that are not necessary, often leading to food waste.
 
Changing behaviours cannot be achieved by simply passing on information. In fact, it requires recipients to be aware of their essential role in the commitment to the environment and to future generations.
 
These actions are intended to reduce food waste in the Region, promote a responsible and sustainable eating awareness, and to encourage the consumption of locally produced food and products.
 
Food waste falls under the definition of bio-waste. In this context, biodegradable waste includes food waste from the kitchens of dwellings, restaurants, catering units, food retailers and similar waste from food processing plants.
 
The Strategic Plan for Waste Management of the Azores promotes the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste deposited in landfills. It aims to encourage the recycling of this type of waste, to ensure the EU goal of a reduction, of least 30%, by 2025 in food waste in the manufacturing, retail/distribution and hospitality/catering sectors, and among households.