Members of the Young Essex Assembly have launched a food waste campaign to encouraging schools to do their bit for the environment.

The green pledge award scheme, which coincides with Essex County Council’s ‘Shrewd About Food’ campaign, hopes to tackle wasted food in schools.

As part of the scheme, schools can apply for a free composting bin and pledge to start composting food waste.

Essex County Council is encouraging residents to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council’s deputy cabinet member for waste and recycling, said: “The Shrewd About Food campaign is about making residents aware of just how much money they are throwing away every month, with a view to having a positive effect on people’s food waste habits.

“By reducing the amount of food we needlessly buy, re-using any leftovers and recycling what is left, we can go a long way to achieving a better, greener Essex.

“Education is obviously vital in this process and I am delighted to be working with the Young Essex Assembly on the green pledge award scheme.”