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Many implications come with wasting food. It negatively impacts the economy, the environment, and of course, the people who grow hungry from food insecurity. The World Food Program estimates that one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. Globally, this amounts to 1.3 billion tons annually, or around US$ 1 trillion. This number just goes to show that food shortage is not the leading cause of food insecurity. Rather, it’s how we produce, allocate, and consume food.

Increasing food waste and loss doesn’t just mean more people go hungry. It also means that the resources that go into producing the food go down the drain. These include water, labor, energy, capital, and so on. We need to address these issues by maximizing the food produced and minimizing waste in all stages of the food system. Otherwise, our systems will continue to be unsustainable, and the global impact of food loss and waste will worsen.

 

When addressed at every level of the supply chain up until consumption, global food loss and waste can go down. Doing so benefits all parties involved, from the farmers and manufacturers to retailers and end-users. By cutting down on food waste and loss, we can help address multiple global concerns, including food insecurity, climate change, and an unsustainable food system.

Five Practical Tips to Reduce Food Loss and Waste

It’s clear that addressing food waste and loss is essential for sustainability and helping address global food insecurity. However, it’s important to note that it’s not only businesses and big industry players that can play a role in the effort to reduce food loss and waste. End-users or consumers can also make simple changes to help minimize food loss and waste and the adverse impacts on people and the environment.

1. Make an Inventory of What’s Inside Your Pantry and Refrigerator

You must take stock of what you already have as well as their “use by” dates. Doing so will help you organize your pantry and prioritize the consumption of near-expiry products.

Knowing what you already have is crucial to avoid overbuying at the grocery store or local market. It’s best to never go grocery shopping without a specific plan and grocery list at hand. Aside from helping you reduce food waste, making an inventory can also save you your hard-earned money.

2.Make a Meal Plan

When done well, making a meal plan can save you both time and money, on top of reducing food waste, of course. When you plan your meals, you can purchase only what you need and avoid buying ingredients that will only go bad. Creating a meal plan can also save you time by batch cooking. Remember to consider including near-expiry food and leftovers when meal planning to ensure you’re not letting anything go to waste.

3.Store Food Properly

One reason food can expire or go bad quickly is when they’re not stored properly. Dry goods like rice, grains, and dry pasta should be stored in a cool, dry place. When exposed to moisture or dampness, these pantry staples are prone to mold, harmful bacteria, and even bugs. It’s also important to know the proper storage of your fresh produce. For example, leafy greens, cucumbers, and spinach should be kept in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to prevent wilting.

4.Don’t Shy Away from Imperfect-Looking Produce

Just because something is oddly-shaped or has minor blemishes doesn’t mean it can’t do the job of providing you with the same nutrients as its “prettier” counterpart. Don’t just walk past “ugly” fruits and vegetables. Instead, examine them. If they don’t have bruises or signs of spoilage, then they’re still suitable for consumption. By being a patron of imperfect produce, you can avoid these ingredients from being wasted and instead make them the stars of your next dish. Imperfect-looking fruits and vegetables also typically cost less, so you can also expect to save some money in the long run.

5.Reallocate or Donate to Local Food Banks

Don’t wait for food to go bad before doing something about them. If you’re doing a regular inventory of your pantry, you can see which ingredients you will most likely not fully consume before their best-before date. Or, if you’ve purchased too much of something like cheese, vegetables, and other pantry staples, consider donating to your local food bank. Or, you can even offer them to your neighbors. Giving them away is much better than letting them slowly go to waste in your kitchen. You’re avoiding food waste while helping others who may need it more.

Yes, improving the food system requires contributions from all players, big and small. Combating food loss and waste requires changes in policies, technologies, and other adjustments that bring us closer to achieving sustainability. And as consumers, we also have a part to play in reducing food waste and loss. By making simple changes to our habits and routines, we can all do our part in reducing food waste and building a more sustainable future.