Joanna Page is back in Barry - but this time, she’s on a mission to help families across Wales save money, cut waste and push Wales to the number one spot in global recycling.
As part of the Be Mighty. Recycle. campaign – a national drive to help people save time, money and reduce waste - she teamed up with renowned Welsh chef, Chris “Flamebaster” Roberts at Bay 5 Café on Barry Island seafront to demonstrate how busy families can create no-fuss, healthy meals with ingredients that are often at risk of going to waste.
The cost of binning
New research from Wales Recycles revealed that families in Wales waste more food than any other group, largely due to their busy schedules, with almost a third of families with children at home falling into the ‘high food wasters’ category. And despite 82% of families worrying about the cost of food, the average four-person household still wastes £84 worth of food every month.
A well lush menu to make your food (and money) go further
Recognising the struggles of juggling mealtimes with a hectic family life, Joanna and Chris - who both have four children each - have developed a range of simple, flexible, and family-friendly recipes that make the most of what’s already in your fridge - helping families save time, money, and the planet.
Cracking Fridge Raid Omelette
In a nod to Joanna’s iconic role, this omelette is the ultimate quick-fix meal that is packed full of nutritious goodness.
Featuring leftover spinach, mushrooms, cheese and onions, it’s a go-to dish for even the pickiest eaters. The beauty of an omelette is that it can be boosted with whatever is hiding in the fridge and is a cracking way to use up ingredients before they hit the bin.
Chris explains, “An omelette is a great way of bringing just any leftovers together. Fry off the vegetables, sweat them down, then add the eggs” In a nod to Joanna’s iconic role, this omelette is the ultimate quick-fix meal that is packed full of nutritious goodness.
Featuring leftover spinach, mushrooms, cheese and onions, it’s a go-to dish for even the pickiest eaters. The beauty of an omelette is that it can be boosted with whatever is hiding in the fridge and is a cracking way to use up ingredients before they hit the bin.
Chris explains:
An omelette is a great way of bringing just any leftovers together. Fry off the vegetables, sweat them down, then add the eggs.
Joanna adds:
You could just get them in from school and straight away get a good omelette going.
Leftover Chicken Curry "Half-and-Half"
A hearty post-school meal, this dish makes the most of some of Wales’ most wasted foods - chicken, carrots, and potatoes Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a simple and adaptable recipe that can also be stored and enjoyed later in the week.
The duo’s version includes onion, cauliflower, carrots, and leftover roast chicken, combined with spices and coconut milk, but any meat or veggies could be added to this versatile dish.
Served the classic Welsh way - half rice, half chips (skin-on, of course!) - it’s guaranteed to keep everyone happy. “Chips and rice, definitely, that’s just the way that I like it!” Joanna says.
Barry Island Yoghurt Sundae
For a sweet and simple treat, this no-fuss, nutritious twist on a sundae is perfect for using up over-ripe fruit and is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Chris’s version includes berries, melon, nuts, granola and a drizzle of honey, but any fruit or toppings would work. Impressed by the simple and nutritious treat, Joanna added, “This would be quite good to have the kids make it with you because I know that my lot would love this.”
What can't be eaten should be recycled
Wales is already one of the world’s top recycling nations, currently ranked second. But the Be Mighty. Recycle. campaign aims to push it into the number one spot.
That’s why Joanna and Flamebaster are encouraging families to make the most of local food waste collections, ensuring inedible food like eggshells, veg peels, and chicken bones are recycled so they can be turned into renewable energy.
So, whether you’re in Barry, Bangor, or anywhere in between, it’s time to take food waste off the menu. Follow Joanna and Flamebaster’s lead - rescue those ingredients, whip up something delicious, and help Wales become the world’s number one recycling nation!
What the chefs say
Joanna Page said:
I’m delighted to be working with Wales Recycles and Chris to help families cut food waste and save money with quick, easy and nutritious favourites that can be boosted with whatever ingredients are left in the fridge.
Mealtimes in our house can get hectic with four children to feed, each with their own preferences, so we’ve developed some lush dishes that are flexible enough to make any picky eater happy and simple enough for busy families. At the same time, it’s helping to reduce the food that ends up in the bin, saving us all money.
Chris Roberts said:
I’ve been championing the campaign for years because I’m passionate about cutting food waste. Like Joanna, I have four children, so I know how important it is to have meals that are quick, easy, healthy and affordable. These recipes tick all those boxes as well as using up the most commonly wasted foods like potatoes, chicken and veggies. I’m excited to show people how they can cut food waste, save money and help Wales claim that number one spot!
Join the mighty mission
Want to help push Wales to the top spot in global recycling? Take the pledge and discover how you can cut food waste, save money, and do your bit for the planet. Plus, you’ll be in with a chance to win a delicious Welsh prize.