Reducing Food Waste
On September 29th, people across the globe will observe the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction. This day serves as a crucial platform for engaging both public authorities and private entities—businesses and consumers alike—to prioritize innovative actions aimed at minimizing food loss and waste. The ultimate goal is to enhance food systems, making them more resilient and sustainable.
At AquaGrove, we recognize the significance of fostering healthy and sustainable agricultural systems. You may wonder how reducing food loss and waste contributes to the transformation of agrifood systems. The facts are illuminating…
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), an estimated 733 million people go hungry globally (FAO et al., 2024), and food loss and waste generate 8 to 10 percent of GHGs and is a methane hotspot. (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2019). Despite ongoing challenges with hunger and food security, approximately 13 percent of the world’s food was lost in the supply chain post-harvest and before reaching retail in 2021 (FAO, 2023). Additionally, an estimated 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted in households, food services and in retail in 2022, the equivalent of 132 kg per capita. (UNEP, 2024).
The UN has identified several pressing issues that render many agrifood systems unsustainable, including:
- Degrading agricultural land
- Contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity
- Excessive groundwater usage
- Vulnerability to external climate and other shocks
Addressing food loss and waste is essential for transforming agrifood systems. It enhances food availability, bolsters food security, promotes healthy diets, and strengthens resilience, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
While many of the actions taken by the public sector on a global scale may appear far removed from one’s everyday life, there are many things that you can do as an individual to make a difference. Here are 5 easy actions you can take to reduce food waste:
- Buy Only What You Need – Plan your meals and trips to the market to eliminate excess food that will spoil or go to waste.
- Grow Your Own – By starting a sustainable garden, you have control of what you grow, and when you grow it. Additionally, you will be part of the solution knowing that nothing goes to waste in your garden, especially when up to 90% less water is used in an aquaponic garden (vs. traditional farming).
- Use Proper Storage – When it comes to unused or uneaten food, it is critical to store it in a way that will prevent spoiling. Consider using airtight containers in the fridge and seal packages in cupboards. You may also choose to move older products to the front of your pantry to ensure they get used prior to expiration.
- Compost – Don’t let your unused food go to waste. By composting leftover food scraps, you can give nutrients back to the soil and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Put Leftovers to Good Use – It is easy to make too much food and have leftovers. Instead of tossing them, consider freezing unused portions or utilizing the remaining ingredients to create a new meal the following day.
In a world where millions face hunger daily, it is imperative that we actively work to reduce food loss and waste. By adopting simple practices like those outlined above, we can collectively make a difference, shift our habits, and seamlessly integrate food-saving measures into our lifestyles.
To learn more about the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), visit the FAO website which offers a guide and resources for solving food loss and waste. A global virtual event will be hosted by FAO and UNEP on September 27th, 2024; you can register for the event here.