Food Waste

15 quick tips for reducing food waste and becoming a Food hero

Many people around the world practice food waste. They buy more food at the market than they need, let fruits and vegetables spoil in their homes, or take larger portions than they can eat.

These habits damage the environment and our natural resources. When we throw away food, we waste precious resources, such as water, seeds, and feed. The resources used to produce and transport it are also wasted. Food waste increases greenhouse gasses and contributes to climate change.

This is a serious problem. Every day, tons of food is lost or wasted around the world. Around 14 per cent of the food produced worldwide is lost between harvest and retail. Food is also thrown away in huge quantities at retail and consumer levels.

The portion of food lost between harvest and retail is known as food loss, while the portion that is wasted by consumers or retailers is called food loss. This distinction is made to help address the root cause of this problem, which everyone, from producers and farmers to consumers and shop owners, can help solve.

In a world with millions of hungry people, it is vital to reduce food waste and loss. We reduce waste because we understand that food isn’t given to the millions who go hungry each day.

We must change our ways to stop wasting food!

Here are some simple actions that you can do to reconnect with food and its meaning:

1. Adopt a healthier, more sustainable diet

Healthy meals do not have to be complicated. Life is busy, and it can be not easy to prepare nutritious meals. There are many quick and healthy recipes on the internet that you can share.

2. Only buy what you need

Plan your meals. Avoid impulse purchases by making a list of what you need and sticking to it. You’ll not only waste less food but also save money.

3. Select ugly fruits and vegetables

Food shouldn’t be judged by its appearance. Fruits and vegetables that are distorted or bruised, for whatever reason, are discarded because they do not meet cosmetic standards. They all taste the same. You can use mature fruit in desserts, smoothies and juices.

4. Food should be stored with care

Place older products at the front and newer ones at the back of your fridge or cupboard. Keep open food in the refrigerator fresh by using airtight containers. Also, make sure that all packets of food are tightly closed to prevent insects from entering.

5. Understanding food labelling

There is a huge difference between “use by” and “best before” dates. It’s not always safe to consume food after the “best-before” date. The “use-by date” is what tells you if it is safe to drink. Avoid foods that contain added sugar and salt.

6. Start small

Share large portions in restaurants or eat smaller portions at home.

7. Love your leftovers

You can freeze leftovers or use them as an ingredient for another meal if you don’t finish everything.

Avoiding food waste and loss is as simple as buying ugly fruits and veggies or reusing leftovers. Left/Top: (c) Smiallaan/shutterstock.com Right/Bottom: (c)New Africa /shutterstock.com

8. Use your food waste

Compost your food scraps instead of throwing them away. You will re-introduce nutrients to the soil and reduce your carbon footprint.

9. Respect for food

We are all connected by food. Know the steps involved in making food to reconnect with it. Learn about the food industry and meet your local farmers.

10. Support local food producers

By buying locally produced food, you support local farmers and small businesses. You can also reduce pollution by reducing the distances that trucks and other vehicles travel to deliver their goods.

11. Keep fish populations afloat

Fish species with a higher abundance, like mackerel and herring, are better to eat than fish that may be overfished. Buy sustainable fish, like eco-labelled fish or certified fish.

12. Reduce water usage

Water is essential to the production of food! Food waste is important, but it also helps to save water. You can also reduce your water consumption by fixing leaks and turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth.

13. Keep soils and waters clean

Some household wastes are hazardous and shouldn’t be thrown away in the regular bin. Batteries, paints and mobile phones are all dangerous items. Also, medicines, chemicals, fertilizers, tyres, ink cartridges etc. It can seep into soils and water supplies, damaging natural resources used to produce our food.

14. Increase your consumption of pulses and vegetables

Try eating a meal that is based on pulses or grains, such as quinoa.

15. Share is caring

Food that would have been wasted can be donated. Apps, for example, can connect neighbours and local businesses to share surplus food rather than throwing it away.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *