The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, September 29, is an opportunity to call to action both the public (national or local authorities) and the private sector (businesses and individuals), to prioritise actions and move ahead with innovation to reduce food loss and waste towards restoring and building back better and resilient-ready, food systems.
The EU average for food waste is approximately 83-101 KG per person per year. And, approximately ⅓ of all food goes to waste on a global scale per year. Food consumption is one area in which we can make a big difference to protecting our planet – be it from consuming less meat to sourcing local produce, your carbon footprint will thank you for it.
Food loss and waste undermine the sustainability of our food systems. When food is lost or wasted, all the resources that were used to produce this food - including water, land, energy, labour and capital - go to waste. In addition, the disposal of food loss and waste in landfills, leads to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Food loss and waste can also negatively impact food security and food availability, and contribute to increasing the cost of food.
At CCSL, we are proud to have rolled out multiple sustainable initiatives to prevent food waste in our kitchens. However, this is not enough. As a nation we all have a part to play in saving food and we must continue to do more in reducing our CO2 emissions and food waste.
1. Adopt a healthier, more sustainable diet
Life is fast-paced and preparing nutritious meals can be a challenge, but healthy meals don't have to be elaborate. The internet is full of quick healthy recipes that you can share with your family and friends
2. Buy only what you need
Plan your meals. Make a shopping list and stick to it, and avoid impulse buys. Not only will you waste less food, you’ll also save money!
3. Store food wisely
Move older products to the front of your cupboard or fridge and new ones to the back. Use airtight containers to keep open food fresh in the fridge and ensure packets are closed to stop air from getting in.
4. Love your leftovers
If you don’t eat everything you make, freeze it for later or use the leftovers as an ingredient in another meal.
5. Support local food producers
By buying local produce, you support family farmers and small businesses in your community. You also help fight pollution by reducing delivery distances for trucks and other vehicles.
We all have a part to play in protecting our environment. Little changes to our daily habits can make a huge global impact. Take action. Stop food loss and waste today. For the people and for the planet.
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