Food waste is a global problem that is costing us billions of dollars and contributing to climate change. According to the United Nations, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. This is equivalent to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food per year.
Picture credits to: Al Jazeera English|
Food waste happens at all stages of the food supply chain, from manufacturer, transportation, storage facility and to consumption. In developing countries, food is often wasted during harvest or transportation due to lack of infrastructure or storage facilities. In developed countries, food is more likely to be wasted at the retail and consumer levels.
There are many reasons why food is wasted. Some of the most common reasons include:
Imperfect harvest: Fruits and vegetables that are not perfectly shaped or sized are often discarded.
Overproduction: Farmers often produce more food than can be sold, leading to surpluses that are often thrown away if no one buys them.
Misconception of best before, expired by: Food is often thrown away before it has actually spoiled, due to expiration dates that are too conservative.
Lack of awareness: There are many humans that are not aware of the extent of food waste or how to reduce it.
Food waste has a number of negative consequences. It is a major contributor to climate change, as food that is wasted decomposes in landfills and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Food waste also wastes resources, such as land, water, and energy. Additionally, food waste contributes to hunger, as it means that less food is available to feed those who are in need.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce food waste. Some of these actions include:
Buying only what you need.
Do prepare a checklist before you go for grocery shopping.
Storing food properly.
Composting food waste
Donating edible food surplus to food banks or soup kitchens.
Raise awareness on food waste
Pick ugly fruit and vegetables. Don't be afraid to buy fruit and vegetables that are not perfectly shaped or sized. They are just as nutritious as the perfect ones, and they are less likely to be wasted.
By taking these actions, we can all help to reduce food waste and make a difference for the planet.
By taking these actions, you can make a difference in the fight against food waste. Be a Green Hero today!
Together with you, we stop food waste!