5 Powerful Ways to Deal with Global Problems: Food Waste and loss

The food choices we make not only affect our health but also have a significant effect on environment. Each year, the world throw-outs nearly one-third of all food produced, totalling around 1.3 billion tonnes. Addressing this global issue is not just a moral imperative; it also represents an environmental, economic, and social disaster. The good news is that we can all work together to solve this problem and unlock substantial global benefits.

Here are the 5 dynamic ways to reduce food waste:-

 

1.  Plan your meal and shop smartly

 

Create a weekly meal plan and buy food items accordingly. Also, take a stock of for refrigerator and pantry before stepping out to the food store. This is the best way to prevent overbuying and helps you to utilize what you already have. You also make a shopping list based on your weekly diet plan.

 

 

2.  Proper food storage

Storing food properly is very difficult for maintaining food safety. This benefits in avoiding food spoilage and maximizing shelf life. Hence, it is important to learn how to store food including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and leftovers correctly. Example:-store fruits and veggies separately from dairy products and raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.

In addition, people often misunderstand between “Best before” and “Use by” expiry labels.

1.   Best before- indicates quality not safety.

2.   Use-by- It is the indicator of the date after which the food may not be safe to eat.

 

3.  Use leftover food creatively

 

Leftover food items may be creatively transformed into various varieties of new meals. Smartly using leftover food may help in many ways such as:

·       Helps to create exciting and delicious meals.

·       Add more nutrition and create nutrient-rich compost.

·       Utilizing leftover food helps to minimize your grocery bills and save money.

·       Helps to provide you second meal without the effort of starting from scratch.

·       Minimize food waste and provide environmental support.

 

 Some good examples of utilizing leftover foods are:

 

·       Leftover vegetables may converted into delicious soups, salads, or sandwiches.  

·       Leftover rice can be easily modified into super tasty fried rice or vegetable-loaded pulao.

·       Transform leftover mashed potato into potato patty or bread toast.

 

 

4.  Build a food rescue system

 

An efficient food rescue system may require expanded storage, transportation, and staffing capacity for smooth work and to reach out to the needy once. To create a successful food rescue system establish strong partnerships with donor and recipient organizations such as food banks or other organizations who distribute food. Make sure to understand the procedure of donation, logistics, and safety guidelines before starting a food rescue system.

 

 

5.  Spread global awareness about food waste reduction

Food waste significantly impacts in many ways including environmentally, economically, and on a social level. So if you are ready to take action on food waste, here are the top steps to reduce waste in your community, nation, and globally!

·       Spread fact information and its environmental consequences such as greenhouse gas emissions.

·       Conduct a seminar/campaign in your community- Educate society on food labels.

·       Foster partnership between government, community, and food organizations to develop strong strategies.

·       Leveraging social media and engaging influencers to spread awareness on the maximum level.

 

Outline

Taking strong steps to reduce food waste could be globally beneficial in terms of securing resources, and money, protecting the environment, and fighting hunger. Simple changes by every individual and larger effects by businesses and government impact a large population. But together we can strongly make a change and prevent food waste.