Cllr Rufus Gilbert, South Hams Council, writes: I would like to thank Laura Stuart for her excellent and informed letter in last week's paper, titled Food waste is a big challenge. South Hams Council is only too aware of the problems created by excessive and unnecessary food waste, which it is part of the national Love Food, Hate Waste campaign. We do, however, try to ensure that we reach all residents with our messages. The particular article she refers to was aimed at those who are more likely to respond to the personal financial impact of food waste, rather than the environmental impact. We do, however, publicise the environmental impact through other means such as our website, http://www.southhams">www.southhams. gov.uk. Our main waste education campaign for the past year has centred around food waste reduction and we hold roadshows and workshops which reflect this, as well as publicising the issue on our vehicle liveries. Laura might be interested in contacting one of our officers who can provide more details about the kind of work we do and how to get involved. Laura is right when she says that 'if we all pull together and manage our waste better, we could reduce carbon emissions.' Sadly, I have known of some, whom even dispose of pre- packed meat and vegetables in the grey bin without unwrapping it first. This is a complex and in some cases sad story, involving the society of yesterday and today. Some of you will have recently read, how we only supply 15,000 tons unsold food from shops to charities whereas Europe does far better with France and Spain distributing in excess of 100,000 tons to charities. Recycling food waste is a collective responsibility that involves all of us to make a difference in so many ways.