Climate crisis: Photographer Rankin creates series aimed at highlighting impact of food waste on the planet
The photographs have been released ahead of the global COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which will see world leaders gather together to discuss ways to protect the planet.
Monday 1 November 2021 11:54, UK
A photographer, known for working with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Kate Moss and Kendall Jenner, has launched a new series of pictures aimed at highlighting the impact of food waste on the planet.
The collection, created by Rankin, features pictures of food fashioned into the shape of plastic bottles.
The British photographer and film director, along with his team, used various items, including pancakes, strawberries, and loaves of bread for the shoot.
It is hoped the images will show the damaging impact food waste can have on climate change.
Rankin said: "Like many people, I had no idea that food waste is a bigger contributor to climate change than plastic. It's quite literally feeding an epidemic that's killing our planet.
"It's time we viewed food waste through the same, if not a more dangerous lens, than single-use plastics."
Sending 1kg of leftover food to a landfill produces the same amount of carbon emissions as doing this for 25,000 500ml plastic bottles.
"Shooting the plastic bottles out of food waste is my way of bringing this misconception into focus, especially when the solution is simple - just reduce the amount of food you throw away," Rankin added.
It comes as research by Zero Waste Scotland suggested 86% of Scottish people were unaware that food waste can be an even bigger contributor to climate change than plastic waste.
It also showed 63% of people think reducing plastic use at home is the best way of reducing their carbon footprint, when, in fact, food waste releases more emissions.
Iain Gulland, chief executive at Zero Waste Scotland, said: "The sea change in attitudes to plastic over the last few years has been one of the most dramatic shifts in public consciousness around the environment we've ever seen. The same shift now needs to happen for food waste.
"Our research shows that most Scots think they are doing what they can for climate change, but the majority are unaware of the massive impact of food waste.
"We know people want to do their bit for the environment so our message is this - the easiest way you can fight climate change is by reducing the amount of food you waste. It's as simple as that."
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The photographs have been released ahead of the global COP26 summit in Glasgow, which will see world leaders gather together to discuss ways to tackle the climate crisis.