FAMILIES across the Cotswold District have been encouraged to eat their Halloween pumpkins to reduce food waste.

Cotswold District Council has said that if residents cook and consume their pumpkins this year it could save around 125,000 meals from ending up in the bin.

According to sustainability charity Hubbub, 15.8 million edible pumpkins worth £26.7 million pounds will be thrown away this year in the UK.  

Most parts of the pumpkin including the seeds, the pulp, the flesh and the skin can be eaten apart from the stalk.

Uneaten pumpkins can also be added to a home compost bin or recycled at the kerbside using Cotswold District Council’s weekly food waste collection service - but residents have been urged to remove all lights, candles, wax and decorations first.

Cllr Mike McKeown, CDC cabinet member for climate change and sustainability, said: “The number of pumpkins that will go uneaten in the UK could provide enough food for 95 million meals. 

"In the Cotswolds, that equates to more than 125,000 meals that could be rescued from the bin.

"But it’s not just the food that’s wasted when it’s thrown away, but all the energy invested in growing, harvesting and transporting it as well. 

"Food production contributes massively to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around one-third of total emissions, so it’s important that pumpkins are not simply considered a throwaway decoration but are valued and used.

“That’s why this year we’re encouraging residents to celebrate their Halloween pumpkins to make them go further – whether that’s by including them in soups, risottos and curries, toasting the seeds, or as an ingredient in sweet recipes like cakes and pies.

“There’s even a growing trend towards decorating, rather than carving, pumpkins.  

"Opting for the no-carve option, not only helps maintain the pumpkin’s freshness, enabling it to be stored for many weeks or months, but a safe and creative way to involve younger family members in the celebrations too.”

The Love Food Hate Waste website has money-saving advice and tips for reducing food waste including seasonal pumpkin recipes.