Impact of Reducing Food Waste

The Problem

“Global hunger is not caused by a shortage of food. Currently, the globe generates enough food to feed every man, woman, and child on the earth. However, about one-third of all food produced each year is wasted or damaged before it is consumed.” (World Food Program USA, 2021)

What Humankind Can Do:

Reversing present trends in food waste and loss would save enough food to feed 2 billion people. That is roughly double the global population of undernourished individuals.

·       Food Preservation

Subsistence farmers throughout the world might lose over half of their produce simply because they lack access to sophisticated storage equipment.  (World Food Program USA, 2021)

·       Non-perishables

WFP food rations often include long-lasting basics like as flour, dry beans, salt, and cooking oil, all packed in robust containers. This assures that the things will not deteriorate for several weeks or months.

·       Policy

Government can introduce policies that can help in reduction of food wastage.

·       Innovation

Hydroponics, hermetic containers, recovering supply networks, and virtual farmers markets are all examples of innovative technologies. These are just a handful of the inventions that enable people to grow, sell, and store food in previously inaccessible areas.

Five Steps you personally can Take.

1.      Bettering food harvesting and distribution processes through better management and equipment. (Rinkesh, n.d.)

2.      Plan your food purchases and preparations.

It is seen that if you follow proper purchasing habits and Inventory management than you can reduce wastage by 30%. (World Food Program USA, 2021)

3.      Food Composting and recycling.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, recyclable food waste accounts for over 90% of rubbish discarded by families, cafeterias, and supermarkets. Composting is one of the simplest and environmentally beneficial methods of recycling food waste.

4.      Foodprint campaigns.

It is important to spread awareness regarding the impacts of food wastage on environmental and social sectors. Foodprint campaigns can do that and make people aware what crisis are being faced.

5.      Revolutionizing crop yields:

My Commitment

I follow numerous small ideas as my commitment towards reduction in food wastage like:

·       Purchasing goods such as meats, poultry, milk, cheese, and yoghurt just before you check out. This keeps them cold for the longest time possible.

·       To avoid cross-contamination, I keep things like meat and poultry apart from other products in my cart.

·       On hot days, unless I'm going directly home, I think about taking a cooler to keep meals cool.

·       To minimise bruising, keep fresh vegetables separate from other meals. Fresh goods degrade faster when they are bruised.

·       Using leftovers to lengthen my week's meals and cut down on waste.

 

This small commitment has led to reduce my domestic food wastage by 20%.

What is your Commitment?

Food waste may be reduced with proper planning and storage habits. What is your commitment to reduce food wastage?

References

Rinkesh. (n.d.). Causes, Effects and Solutions to Growing Problem of Food Waste. Retrieved from Conserve Energy Future: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-food-waste.php

The Environmental Impact of Wasted Food. (2019, July 23). Retrieved from Let's Talk Science: https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-in-context/environmental-impact-wasted-food#:~:text=Scientists%20believe%20that%20if%20we,you%20have%20to%20clear%20land.

World Food Program USA. (2021, October 1). 8 Facts to Know About Food Waste and Hunger. Retrieved from World Food Program USA: https://www.wfpusa.org/articles/8-facts-to-know-about-food-waste-and-hunger/