Avoidance of food waste

Avoidance of food waste

in the topic of food waste

estimates by organizations such as the world nutrition organization indicate that around a third of all foods produced worldwide are lost or wasted unused for human consumption. This is not only an enormous social and economic waste, but also considerably stresses our climate and the environment. Therefore, avoiding food waste plays a crucial role in reducing global environmental impacts.

Why is food waste a problem?

Environmental effects

The waste of food contributes significantly to global warming, since the production of food that is ultimately not consumed leads to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. These arise, among other things, through agricultural practices, transport, storage and disposal. In addition, the waste of foods of valuable soil and water consumes for production, which leads to the exhaustion of natural resources.

economic effects

In addition to the environmental impacts, food waste also has considerable financial costs. According to a study by the United Nations Environment programs (UNEP), the lost or wasted foods cost the global economy a year.

social effects

Food waste also has social effects. By reducing avoidable food waste, we can help alleviate the problem of the world hunger crisis. Around 690 million people worldwide are currently suffering from chronic hunger - a number that could be reduced by avoiding food waste.

Where does food waste arise?

Food waste is created in all phases of the food chain, from agricultural production to processing to retail and consumers. It is important to understand these stages to find effective measures against waste.

agricultural production

Many foods are lost at the agricultural level. This is done by pests, diseases and unfavorable weather conditions. There is also waste from strict aesthetic standards that are required by supermarkets and consumers: fruit and vegetables that do not correspond to the expected sizes, colors or shapes are often sorted out and thrown away.

processing and storage

Here food waste can occur through inefficient techniques and equipment, defects in handling and storage or simple human errors.

trade and sale

In the retail trade, waste arises when products reach the best before date before they can be sold or if they do not correspond to the optical standards.

consumer

Food waste is often made in consumers because more has been bought than is required, food is incorrectly stored or the best -before date is reached.

strategies to avoid food waste

Enlightenment of consumers

An essential strategy is to raise awareness of the problem. Consumers should be informed about how food is correctly stored, which means the best before date and how food residues can be used sensibly.

Change of industrial standards

Industry also has an important role to play. One possible measure would be to place less strict aesthetic requirements for fruit and vegetables in order to avoid waste during the harvest. Retailers can also work through to optimize their warehouse and sales practices and reduce the amount of food not sold.

technological innovations

Technology can also contribute to avoiding food waste. Apps that help to monitor your own food consumption or connect the consumers to a platform on which excess foods can be shared or sold are just a few examples.

conclusion

Avoiding food waste is an urgent social, economic and ecological concern. It requires the cooperation of everyone involved, from producers to retailers to consumers. By clarifying, changing industrial practices and technological innovations, we can find a way to reduce this immense waste and to promote more sustainable use of our foods.