Use It Up Tape: A food waste solution that sticks

A box sealed with tape labeled "Use It Up," suggesting a message of resourcefulness and sustainability.
In Australia, a staggering 7.6 million tonnes of food are wasted each year, equating to over 300kg per person.

Shockingly, one-third of this waste comes straight from our homes. But there’s a fun, simple way to tackle this problem while being a hero for the planet: OzHarvest’s Use It Up Tape™—the innovative kitchen tool designed to help you make the most of your food!

So, what exactly is this magical tape? Think of it as your friendly reminder system for everything in your fridge, freezer, or pantry that needs a little love before it goes bad.

Made from recyclable paper, this dishwasher-proof tape can easily mark a shelf or be stuck directly on items that need to be used up. Once you see what’s on the brink of becoming yesterday’s news, you’re much more likely to whip up a meal and use it up instead of letting it spoil!

A colorful table filled with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, showcasing nature's bounty.

OzHarvest launched this initiative as part of their Use It Up campaign, aimed at tackling the 2.5 million tonnes of food wasted annually from Australian homes.

By encouraging us to cook with what we have before rushing to the store for more, they’re helping us save not only food but also money and the environment. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of saving a few bucks while saving the planet?

In its first year, the Use It Up Tape made waves across Australian households, with over 20,000 tapes distributed. This isn’t just some fleeting kitchen gimmick; research from BehaviourWorks Australia confirms that this tape can lead to a 40% reduction in overall household food waste!

Perishable items, like fresh veggies and meat, showed an almost 50% drop in waste, proving that this tape truly helps shift our habits.

The beauty of the Use It Up Tape lies in its simplicity. It serves as a visual prompt and labelling tool, perfect for large households or anyone who feels a bit disorganized in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling kids’ schedules or just someone who tends to overestimate what’s left in the fridge, this tape is your new best friend.

Why not join the fight against food waste? Grab some Use It Up Tape, have a little fun in the kitchen, and see how much food you can save!

Together, we can all make a big difference—one roll of tape at a time.

Get the tape

Currently, the tape is available for free to individuals, with a small charge for postage within Australia. Simply head online to order. 


For more informationon:

ozharvest.org

 

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

You may also like

Etikette co-founder Georgia Walker is now running Adelaide baby brand Bubnest – built on organic cotton, calm design and a slower way to shop for babies.
Mum Walk founder Kimberly Kay on postpartum loneliness, the power of walking side by side, and how Adelaide mums can find or start a local walk.
A free community event in Parkside is on a mission to change the way Adelaide families think about maths, and it sounds like a lot of fun.
Early childhood nanny Crystle Range shares her go-to toolkit for keeping babies content when you're out and about from sensory toys to car-safe picks.