Food waste is a problem that affects us all. It has a big impact on both our economy and the environment. But what exactly is it? It's when food that could be eaten ends up going to waste, whether in the field, at the store or at home.
This waste happens when food is lost or spoiled before it reaches our tables or even when it is already in our homes. Not only does this mean that we lose money, but we are also wasting valuable resources such as water, energy and land that were used to produce them.
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How to avoid food waste?
Food waste is a global problem with serious environmental and economic impacts. Reducing it not only saves our pockets, but also the planet, by saving resources and reducing polluting emissions. Below, we share practical strategies to make better use of food and prevent it from ending up in the trash.
1.Plan purchases
Before going to the supermarket, let's check our pantry, refrigerator and freezer to be clear about what we already have available. Let's make a shopping list based on a weekly menu or the meals we plan to prepare. This helps to avoid impulse purchases and reduce the accumulation of food that may not be used. Also, let's consider the actual portions we consume so we don't buy more than we need.
2. Proper storage
The way we store food influences its freshness and shelf life. Use airtight containers to avoid moisture and contact with air, which can accelerate spoilage. Keep fruits and vegetables in the right compartments of the refrigerator and learn which foods should be refrigerated and which should not. For example, potatoes, onions and garlic should be stored in a cool, dark place, but not in the refrigerator. Labeling foods with dates is also helpful to remember how old they are.
3. Transforms food into preserves or base ingredients.
If you have fruits or vegetables that are about to spoil, turn them into preserves, sauces, jams or purees that you can freeze. For example, ripe tomatoes can make a tasty pasta sauce, and very ripe fruits work great for smoothies or desserts. This way you get more out of your food and have ingredients ready for your next recipes.
4. Create a food exchange system
Set up a food swap with friends, neighbors or family members. If you have extra produce or produce you won't use before it expires, trade it for something you need. For example, if you have a lot of apples, you could get eggs, vegetables or homemade bread in exchange. These initiatives not only reduce waste, but also strengthen the community and help make better use of food.
Causes of food waste
Types of food wastage
Food wastage is a problem that manifests itself throughout the entire supply chain, from the early stages of production to final consumption. Identifying its main types is essential to implement effective solutions. Below, we explain the differences between food loss and food waste, as well as the most common causes of each.
1. Food wastage
This type of wastage occurs mainly in the early stages of the supply chain, from production to distribution. It includes problems such as:
- Mismanaged crops: Crops that are left in the fields due to insufficient demand, low prices, or failure to meet market aesthetic standards.
- Damage during transport: Food that deteriorates due to inadequate packaging, lack of refrigeration or rough handling.
- Inadequate storage: At this stage, the lack of infrastructure, such as adequate silos or cold storage, can lead to the proliferation of pests, fungi or general spoilage. These losses tend to occur in developing countries, where technological and infrastructure limitations are more prevalent, but also affect advanced economies.
2. Food waste
Waste is concentrated in the final stages of the food chain, when food reaches the consumer. This problem encompasses:
- Supermarkets: Products discarded for exceeding their expiration date, even though they are still fit for consumption, or food rejected for minor damage to packaging or appearance.
- Restaurants and catering services: Excessive portions, poorly planned menus or leftover food that is not used at the end of the day.
- Households: Impulsive purchases, poor menu planning, incorrect storage or lack of knowledge on how to use leftovers and food close to their expiration date.
This type of wastage is more popular in developed countries, where mass consumption and lack of awareness of the value of food are key factors. Both phenomena, although occurring at different stages, contribute significantly to the overall problem of food wastage and require specific strategies to be effectively addressed.
Economic and environmental impact of food waste
Food waste has a huge economic and environmental impact. Not only are we losing money by throwing away food, but also essential natural resources. Reducing this waste is key to saving and caring for the planet. Here we explore these points:
- Economic cost
Food waste not only has consequences for the environment, but also has a direct impact on our pocketbook. When we throw food away, we are wasting the financial resources we invest in its purchase, transportation and storage. According to several studies, an average family could save hundreds of pesos a year by better managing their food, making more planned purchases, storing correctly and making the most of leftovers. In the long term, this reduction in waste not only implies direct savings, but also a more efficient management of household resources.
- Environmental cost
The environmental impact of food waste is multi-layered:
- CO2 emissions: When food decomposes in landfills, it releases large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). This gas contributes significantly to climate change, worsening air quality and accelerating global warming.
- Waste of resources: Each food thrown away represents a considerable amount of resources that were not used. This includes the water used to grow the food, the land used for its production and the energy consumed in transportation and storage. For example, to produce a single kilo of meat, thousands of liters of water are needed. When we throw this food away, we are wasting these valuable resources unnecessarily.
Reducing food waste not only benefits our personal economy, but also has a positive impact on reducing our environmental footprint. Every action we take to minimize waste contributes to the conservation of natural resources and the care of the planet.
