Food wastage is a significant concern globally, with one-third of all food produced lost or wasted. Furthermore, as per the UN Hunger Report, the world produces sufficient food to feed the entire global population, but still, as many as 811 million remain hungry every day due to food wastage. According to a recent UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) report, roughly one-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year gets lost or wasted. That's around 1.3 billion tonnes. UNEP's food wastage index report further reveals that India wastes approximately 68.76 million tonnes of food annually, with households wasting around 50 kilograms per person. Worldwide, one-third of food produced is either lost or wasted, contributing to 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing food waste can also help conserve resources such as water, energy and land. This issue not only affects the environment but also has social and economic impacts. Food wastage increases the burden on waste management systems and can lead to pollution of water bodies. The issue of food wastage is complex and multifaceted, and reducing it requires the involvement of different stakeholders, including farmers, food processors, retailers, consumers and policymakers.
Food waste can be reduced through various strategies, such as better storage and transportation practices, improving packaging and labeling, educating consumers about food waste reduction, and encouraging the use of food donations and composting. Food waste reduction can also have positive economic impacts, such as reducing costs for food producers, retailers and consumers, and creating new business opportunities in food waste management and recycling. Finally, reducing food waste can also help address the issue of food insecurity.
The Indian government has been taking measures to reduce food waste, including launching programmes such as 'Save Food Share Food' to encourage the donation of surplus food and educating students on preventing food waste through the school curriculum. At the same time, emerging technologies like app-based "digital cafeterias" are being developed to help college campuses reduce food wastage by analysing food consumption trends. Together, such efforts can contribute to reducing food waste and ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need.
There are many emerging technologies that are being developed to address the issue of food waste. Smart packaging, for example, is packaging that has sensors to monitor the condition of the food and provide real-time information on its freshness and quality. This technology can ensure that food is consumed before it spoils. Blockchain technology can be used to track food from farm to table, ensuring that it is not wasted along the way. This technology can also help reduce food waste by providing better transparency and accountability in the food supply chain.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyse data on food waste and help identify patterns and trends that can be used to prevent waste in the future. For example, AI can help retailers predict which products are likely to be wasted and adjust their inventory accordingly. Food sharing apps are also helpful in reducing food waste by allowing people to share surplus food with others who need it. Additionally, there are many new technologies, such as aerobic composting, to make composting more efficient and effective.
Studies have shown that a significant portion of food waste occurs in restaurants and cafes, often due to factors such as portion sizes and customers' ordering habits. UNEP highlights that food waste in the retail industry can also be attributed to factors such as inefficient inventory management and lack of food donation programmes. To reduce food waste when dining out, it is essential to encourage responsible consumption practices, such as sharing meals and taking home leftovers, and to incentivise restaurants and retailers to implement sustainable practices. Addressing food wastage through awareness, education and technology is a vital step in creating a more sustainable food system that benefits both society and the environment.
Reducing food waste is a global challenge that requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, governments and organisations. One of the most significant challenges in reducing food waste is changing people's attitudes and behaviours towards food consumption. By educating people about the environmental and social impact of food waste, we can encourage responsible food consumption practices and reduce waste.
It is also crucial to address the issue of food insecurity by ensuring that surplus food is donated to those in need. The concept of a circular economy, where waste is minimised, and resources are recycled and reused, can also be applied to the food system. Another challenge in reducing food waste is the lack of proper infrastructure and resources to manage food waste. Effective food waste management requires proper collection, transportation and disposal of food waste. Governments and businesses can play a vital role in investing in research and development of new technologies and infrastructure to support food waste reduction. Finally, it is essential to recognise that food waste reduction is not a one-sizefits-all solution. Different countries and regions have different food systems, cultures, and practices. Therefore, it is essential to develop tailored solutions that are specific to the local context and culture. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system that ensures that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable food while minimising waste and protecting the environment.
Dr Vepakomma is an India-based retired professor and principal
A version of this article appears in the print on April 17, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.