As a customer, you have the power to influence how much food is wasted in eateries, both in terms of what is left on your plate and in choosing to spend your pounds in support of the eateries that are taking positive action on food.

If you don’t feel that hungry, ask for a smaller portion, order tapas or share your meal. If the restaurant doesn’t offer smaller portions, let them know this is something you would like to see next time you come back.

Choose to eat where there is a short, regularly changing menu. A restaurant that focuses on a few options is likely to put more thought into creating tasty, high quality dishes. This also reduces food waste through buying fewer ingredients.

If you know you are not going to eat the gherkin on your burger, ask for a gherkin-free burger when you order! If you can’t clear your plate but know you would like to finish the rest later, ask for the leftovers to be boxed up (bring your own container if you want to reduce packaging waste), just don’t forget to eat them later! Next time you eat in a canteen, don’t take a tray. This stops you ordering more than you need, and so reduces food waste.