Food waste is a pressing issue that has been overlooked in today’s world. While millions of people are suffering from hunger and insecurity of food, nearly one-third of the food produced worldwide–about 1,3 billion tons each year — ends up being wasted or lost. It’s not just about wasted food. This problem has serious implications for our economy, social justice system, and environment.
What is food waste?
Food waste occurs at various stages.
- Food loss occurs during farming, harvesting, storage, and transportation–mainly due to poor infrastructure or overproduction.
- Food Waste occurs at the consumer level, such as throwing away leftovers or expired products at home or restaurants.
Some of the most common causes are:
- Strict Cosmetic Standards (perfectly-looking fruits & vegetables)
- Misunderstanding food labels like “best before” vs. “use by”
- Consumers who over-purchase and make poor plans
- In developing countries, there is a lack of transportation or cold storage.
Food Waste is Important
Environmental Impact
8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are due to food waste. Not only is the food wasted, but so are the water, land and energy that were used to produce the food. Methane is produced by food that rots in landfills.
Economic Costs
Food waste is estimated to cost over 940 billion dollars each year. It affects households, businesses, and farmers.
Social Inequality
Throwing away edible food when over 828 million people go hungry is unethical. Reducing food wastage could help close the gap in hunger and feed millions.
Real Solutions for Food Waste
Individuals:
- Plan your meals and only buy what you need
- Foods that are stored correctly can last longer.
- How to properly read food labels
- Repurpose leftovers into new meals
- If possible, share or donate any excess food
The Business Level
- Unsold food from restaurants and stores can be donated to food banks
- Track stock with technology and avoid overordering
- Train your staff to store and portion their food properly.
Government and Policy
- France has made it illegal for supermarkets in France to throw away edible food – they must donate it
- South Korea charges people for the amount of food that they waste
- By 2030, global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 123 are aimed at reducing food waste by half.
Collective Responsibility
Food waste is an issue of global concern that requires collective action. Each of us has a part to play in solving the problem, from the farm to the fridge. Small steps, like shopping more wisely or composting, can make a huge difference, whether you are a student or parent, a business owner or a policymaker.
If you save food, you save money, resources, and lives. We must ensure that the food we produce is valued and respected.
