6 October to 13 October

Ethical Living: What should we do with our left over food?

Recently in the Big Issue, Andy C. described finding perfectly edible food in the rubbish bins behind supermarkets. On one occasion, he writes, he '.counted over 300 loaves of bread' and on others he found 'cheese, frozen meals, pizza by the caseful, cakes and boxes of fruit.' He went on to describe how this source of food has largely dried up, because nowadays supermarkets prevent people foraging for food by locking their bins, securing them in special enclosures, and even guarding them. Andy's article reminded me of my surprise at a notice displayed behind the counter of a sandwich outlet about a year ago, describing with pride how, after only one hour on display, their stock is thrown away, thus ensuring that their sandwiches are always fresh. Though I understand the economic rationale for their actions, I find it odd and ethically questionable, that anyone should be proud of wasting food.

A more hopeful article in the same Big Issue, reported on a remarkable co-operative partnership that allows North London Action for the Homeless to prepare quality food for around 150 rough sleepers a week, using left over fruit and vegetables provided by Growing Communities, a social enterprise in Hackney.

Gavin Fairbairn, Running Stream Professor of Ethics and Language, School of Applied Global Ethics.