Did you know that over 1 billion meals are wasted globally every day, while 783 million people continue to face hunger? That’s not just a statistic—it's a stark reminder of the inequalities we face in our food systems. According to the UN, 19% of all food produced globally goes to waste, most of it happening right in our homes.
Why is Food Waste a Problem?
Food waste not only affects global hunger, it also contributes to 8-10% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Food that's decomposing in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. It's a major driver of environmental damage, with huge impacts on climate change, biodiversity, and water resources.
Next to this, food wasted globally doesn’t just impact our climate and cost us meals—it's a complete waste of the energy, water, and labor that went into producing it.
The good news? Reducing food waste is something we can all contribute to, and it starts in our own kitchens.
5 Simple Tips to Reduce Food Waste at Home:
Plan your meals – Create a weekly menu and stick to a shopping list. This helps avoid impulse buys and ensures you only purchase what you need.
Store food properly – Keep perishables in the right conditions. For example, potatoes and onions should be stored in cool, dark places, while leafy greens thrive in the fridge. If you use containers to store certain foods then please avoid plastics and opt for glass or stainless steel. Many BPA free plastics contain BPS, which is found to be even more harmful than BPA. They can deregulate the female hormone system and disrup heart rhytm in women,
Use leftovers creatively – Instead of throwing out small portions, turn them into soups, stews, or smoothies. Be creative with what’s already in your kitchen. Here's someone who knows how to repurpose things: @emptythefridge (Instagram).
Practice Portion Control: Cook only the amount of food you’ll eat. If you tend to make too much, try serving smaller portions and saving extras for another meal.
Compost – If food waste is unavoidable, compost it. This way, even your scraps can give back to the earth. Check out this blog post for tips on how to start composting at home: https://greencitizen.com/blog/apartment-composting/
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, celebrated on September 29th, is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we can make better use of our food. Small steps in reducing waste can lead to significant changes, for both our environment and those in need. If you own a restaurant or other food related company you can look for local organisations that pick up leftover foods and distribute it others, like refood in Portugal.
By becoming more mindful about the food we consume and discard, we can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Image by Lisa and everlast jorney on Freepik.
Sources
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-024-34666-z