London, November 10 A leading UK government waste watchdog has urged people to reheat their cold cups of tea and coffee to slash 12 billion pounds of food and drink wasted down the drain every year.

According to Wrap, putting a cup of cold coffee or tea in the microwave was nearly five-times better for the planet than making a fresh one.

"It all adds up - 50ml here and 20 grams there," the Telegraph quoted Richard Swannell, the director of retail at Wrap, as saying.

"One of the main reasons why people throw food and drink away is a lack of awareness.

"This is not about nagging people. It is about telling them about the opportunity to save money. And if we reduce carbon emissions, that's a good side effect," he added.

But tea connoisseurs have expressed their doubts over the recommendations.

Michael Bonsor, the food and beverage manager at Claridges hotel, said: "I would certainly not recommend this. It would have untold affects on the flavour and essence and rather takes away from the ceremony of afternoon tea." (ANI)