What could Oxfordshire do to make sure everything to do with food is sustainable and benefits planet and people?
We need to improve access to affordable, healthy and tasty food in Oxfordshire, while also reducing its environmental impact.
We believe it is possible for households, producers and retailers in Oxfordshire to reach zero food waste by 2030, by examining the amount of food they truly consume per week and adjusting the amount they buy accordingly, understanding how to best store food to optimise its longevity, composting all food waste, donating to food banks, and increasing recycling of food packaging.
We can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food cycle, by improving access to local food growing spaces, such as community farms and allotments. Vegetarian and vegan diets should become the default, with residents able to access high-quality, high-welfare, locally-produced organic meat, dairy and eggs now and then.
All of this can be supported by improving education surrounding food, encouraging skills and knowledge for growing, storing and cooking our own produce, and creating opportunities to share and enjoy our food.
This response was submitted by One Planet Oxfordshire . In 2018, One Planet Oxfordshire brought together a wide range of local councils, organisations, businesses, schools and community groups from across the county to collaboratively create a ‘Shared Vision’ for a better, more sustainable future. It outlines the ‘outcomes’ we want to achieve – what will the future of Oxfordshire look like?