To me the real problem is the supermarkets. What with "Two for the price of one" and very short "eat by" dates they are simply encouraging waste. The former should be banned, and we should use common sense as to whether food is fit to eat, just like our parents did.

Brian E, Beaconsfield, England

Many people buy food for the week before planning their social life and evening engagements. They then have to throw half the food away as they have not been in to eat it. Shop locally each day. Local grocers may have less choice but it is usually seasonal so less of a carbon footprint. It only takes an extra five minutes of your day to think what to eat and buy it on the way home. It seems more expensive but there is less waste and you are supporting local businesses. Don't be lazy!!!

Clare, London,

What about people from other countries.

lanny, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

I'm sure the majority of people in the UK are careful with the food they use and that which is wasted. Many were brought up during the lean times during or just after WWII, or are the children of them, and have a 'Waste not, Want not' mentality. And how many times have you been told of the 'starving children in Africa'?

If you've had the mis-fortune to see what a single supermarket wastes per day, you'd have an idea of where all these figures are coming from. Also many fast food outlets (the large chains) will only keep their food hot for a limited period of time, after which it gets thrown in the bin. Save your hand-wringing when the last few crusts of the loaf go green and the lettuce goes mushy after 2 days. If you feel the need, donate 2 quid a month to a charity.

Justin, Wuhan, China

No wonder Tescos are making a profit. On a more serious note, many restaurants serve way too much for a portion. Why? Do we think we are getting value for our money when portions are piled high? I don't think so. Perhaps a more thoughtful look could be given in this direction.
Do I waste food? Of course I do. With everything packaged the way it is, it's hard not to. However, try buying all five different lettuces for a salad bowl and see how much is wasted then.
Getting back to Tesco, or any other supermarket for that matter, many products are packaged to encourage a larger purchase than required. But you knew that already and this is the way the world has become. I don't have time to queue for the butcher, queue again in the dairy, then queue again once more.
I often do my weekly shopping on the internet. The websites for these supermarkets have certainly improved over the years, but I believe there is still room for improvement to enable a saving on time, petrol and waste.

Linda Morris, Bedfordshire, UK