Here Are 5 Simple Ways To Cut Down Food Wastage And Help Save The Planet

Food production around the world falls well short of what is consumed there. According to the UNEP's food wastage index report, 68,760,163 tonnes of food are wasted annually in Indian homes, or 50 kg per person.

The issue of worldwide food wastage is having a major effect on society, the environment, and the economy. According to estimates, 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked with food that is not consumed by the consumers.

One-third of all food is wasted

Unbelievably, one-third of the food that is produced worldwide is lost or wasted. The food waste index report has brought attention to how global the problem of household food waste is and supports initiatives in developing nations. The reason for the gap between food produced and consumed is due to waste and poor management.

Everyone, or the majority of people, are frequently guilty of leaving some food unfinished on their plates. Food loss and waste doesn¡¯t just impact the environment, it has consequences on the economy as well.

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50 kg food wasted by single person every year

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, one-third of all food in India is wasted or spoils before it is eaten (FSSAI). According to the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Food Waste Index Report 2021, household food waste in India is estimated to be around 50 kg per person annually, or 68.76 million tonnes.

These losses take place across the supply chain¡ªduring transit, storage, and marketing¡ªas well as in homes, on dining tables and in kitchens. Due to the propensity to buy or prepare more food than can be consumed by families or visitors at social gatherings, a sizable amount of food typically goes uneaten and is thrown away. Another factor is the lack of refrigeration and cold-storage facilities.

Food wastage and carbon emission

These unconsumed goods account for 8¨C10% of worldwide carbon emissions. The carbon footprint of food waste is estimated to be 3.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases discharged into the environment each year. Wasting food is an irresponsible act and when you do it, you are increasing the garbage load and adding up to the pressure on the waste management mechanism.

The trash finds its way into landfills and sometimes it goes straight into water bodies. However, food waste is an environmental issue as well as a social or humanitarian one. We waste not only the food itself, but also the water and energy needed to grow, harvest, transport, and package it.

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Additionally, rotting food in landfills releases methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Health risks from food waste

Asthma, birth deformities, cancer, cardiovascular disease, childhood cancer, COPD, infectious diseases, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are just a few of the illnesses that might strike. The issue that waste creates might also include bacteria, vermin, and insects.This food was wasted despite requiring a lot of fresh water, land, and labour to create. Food waste would rank third in the world for greenhouse gas emissions if it were a nation.

How to reduce food wastage

The best method to reduce food waste is to have a system for producing nutritious, healthful, and sustainable food. Eat well, make the purchases you need, and preserve food properly. You can create a composting area since food scraps can enrich the soil with nutrients and lower their carbon footprint. Up to 150 kg of food waste could potentially be avoided by home composting. When you can, you can donate it to food banks. By doing this, you will feel more wise and responsible. Additionally, by creating a weekly food list, you can avoid being tempted by promotional offers to buy more than you actually need.If you have extra food, freeze it before it starts to become stale. Keep a record of everything in the freezer and the date and each time the food became frozen and post it on the freezer door for easy access.

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Give the food you can't eat to your neighbours, friends, and coworkers instead of throwing it away; they will thank you for saving time and money. If you are a part of some kind of celebration, you may also get in touch with any of the Indian organisations that give leftover food and catered party food to the hungry.Consider providing leftover table or kitchen scraps to animals in need. Instead of simply tossing away your leftovers, it is more wise and kind to take the time to feed these poor creatures. The happiness of other living things can be greatly increased by a small act of compassion from your side.

About the author: Ashwin Bhadri is the Founder and CEO of Equinox Labs. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.