The Role of Food Waste in Climate Change and How to Reduce It

Every year, we waste enough food to feed billions, and this colossal waste is not just a missed opportunity — it poses a direct threat to our planet’s health. 

But what exactly is the impact of this waste? The term ‘food wastage footprint’ describes the environmental impact of the food we discard. This issue significantly contributes to climate change, affecting not only the environment but also our economy and society. 

Understanding the connection between food waste and climate change is crucial if we aim to create a sustainable future. Let’s delve into the impact of food waste and explore how it exacerbates climate change.

The Impact of Food Waste

Food waste occurs at every stage of the supply chain, from production to consumption. Globally, about one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted.  

This wastage has a massive carbon footprint. When food is wasted, the resources used to produce, transport, and store it are also wasted. This includes water, energy, and labour. Additionally, when food decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

How Food Waste Contributes to Climate Change

Food waste is a significant driver of climate change.  The carbon footprint of food waste is estimated to be about 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. This makes food waste the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after the United States and China.  

In addition, approximately 8 – 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with unconsumed food. By cutting down on food waste, we can reduce these emissions, slow the destruction of nature through land conversion and pollution, and enhance food availability, thus reducing hunger and saving money.

Economic Impact of Food Waste

Globally, food waste costs the economy around $1 trillion each year. This figure includes the direct costs of producing food that is never consumed, such as the expenses related to farming, processing, and transportation.  

When considering the broader environmental and social impacts, the total economic cost of food waste rises to about $3 trillion annually. This includes the costs associated with deforestation, soil erosion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, and the negative health impacts from exposure to chemicals used in food production. 

 In Australia, the situation is equally concerning. Australians waste about 7.6 million tonnes of food annually, costing the economy approximately $36.6 billion each year. This waste translates to about 312 kilograms per person and can cost households up to $3,000 per year. Additionally, food waste accounts for about 3% of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. 

Food losses translate into lost income for farmers and higher prices for consumers. Farmers invest significant resources into growing food, and when it goes to waste, they do not recoup these costs. For consumers, food waste contributes to higher food prices, as the costs of wasted food are often passed down the supply chain. 

The use of pesticides and other chemicals in food production, which ultimately goes to waste, results in about $150 billion in health-related costs. These costs arise from the negative health effects of chemical exposure and the broader impacts of poor nutrition due to food insecurity. 

On a smaller scale, households in countries like the United States and Canada waste an average of nearly $1,500 worth of food each year. This is money that could be saved or spent on other necessities.  

Reducing food waste can lead to significant economic savings. For example, restaurants that invest in food waste reduction initiatives can potentially save $7 for every $1 invested. This demonstrates the financial benefits of adopting more sustainable practices.

Community-Based Initiatives

One of the most effective ways to engage consumers in the fight against food waste is through community-based initiatives that promote awareness and action. Local workshops, cooking classes, and food preservation demonstrations can empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to reduce waste in their own homes.

Here are some examples of community-based initiatives that effectively reduce food waste: 

1. Community Fridges 

These are public refrigerators where individuals and businesses can donate surplus food, and anyone in need can take what they require. This initiative helps reduce food waste and supports those facing food insecurity. For example, the Eco-friendly Food Fridges in Geneva provide free-access public refrigerators stocked with perishable food items. 

2. Feeding the 5000 

This campaign organises events where 5,000 people are served a meal made entirely from food that would otherwise be wasted. These events raise awareness about food waste and promote sustainable food practices. 

3. Imperfect Produce Subscription Boxes 

Companies rescue misshapen or blemished fruits and vegetables that are often rejected by large retailers and sell them at a discount. This not only reduces food waste but also makes healthy food more affordable. In Australia, such initiatives have gained popularity. 

4. Food Recovery Challenge 

Organised by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this challenge encourages universities, businesses, and other community organisations to improve their food management systems. Participants set goals and report their progress in reducing food waste. 

5. Local Workshops & Cooking Classes 

These initiatives teach community members how to store food properly, use leftovers creatively, and preserve food. For example, workshops on canning, pickling, and fermenting can help people make the most of their food and reduce waste. 

6. Farmers’ Markets and Community Gardens 

These provide fresh, local produce and often have programs to donate surplus food to local shelters and food banks. They also educate the community about the importance of reducing food waste and sustainable farming practices. 

7. Dynamic Pricing Apps: 

Apps that offer discounts on food items nearing their expiration date help reduce waste at the retail level. Consumers can purchase these items at a lower cost, preventing them from being discarded. 

These initiatives can encourage people to share tips, resources, and even surplus food with one another. Additionally, collaborating with local chefs and nutritionists can help highlight the value of using every part of the ingredient, inspiring creativity in meal preparation and reinforcing the importance of minimising waste.

Strategies to Reduce Food Waste

Reducing food waste requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, and governments. Here are some effective strategies: 

Plan Your Meals 

Planning meals in advance can help reduce food waste. By knowing what you need, you can avoid buying unnecessary items that may end up being thrown away. Make a shopping list and stick to it.  

This simple step can significantly cut down on food waste. According to the World Resources Institute, one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, which is a staggering amount.

Educate Consumers 

One effective approach to minimising food waste is to educate consumers about the importance of mindful consumption. This includes raising awareness about portion sizes, encouraging people to only serve what they can eat, and promoting the idea of “leftovers” as a valuable resource rather than a burden.  

Fostering a culture that values food and its resources, can aid in significantly reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. Educational campaigns can also highlight the environmental impact of food waste, motivating individuals to make more conscious choices in their daily lives. The EPA offers great resources and tips for reducing food waste at home.

Store Food Properly 

Proper storage can extend the shelf life of food. Keep perishable items in the fridge and ensure that dry goods are stored in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers to keep food fresh for longer. One innovative solution to tackle food waste is the use of technology to track and manage food inventory more effectively.  

Apps and software can help consumers and businesses monitor their food supplies, alerting them when items are nearing expiration or suggesting recipes based on available ingredients. This not only minimises waste but also encourages creative cooking and meal planning.  

By leveraging technology, we can enhance our awareness of food usage and make informed decisions that contribute to reducing the overall food wastage footprint. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021 highlights the importance of proper food management and storage.

Understand Expiration Dates 

Many people throw away food that is still safe to eat because they misunderstand expiration dates. “Best before” dates indicate quality, not safety. Use your senses to determine if food is still good to eat.  

One important aspect of understanding expiration dates is recognising the difference between various labels such as “sell by,” “use by,” and “best before.” These terms can often lead to confusion, causing consumers to discard food that is still perfectly safe to eat.  

Educating the public on these distinctions can empower individuals to make better decisions regarding food safety and waste. For instance, many products can still be consumed after the “best before” date, as they may retain their nutritional value and flavour. The World Resources Institute provides insights into the impact of food waste and the importance of understanding expiration dates.

Donate Surplus Food 

If you have extra food that you can’t consume, consider donating it to local food banks or shelters. This not only helps reduce waste but also supports those in need. One effective way to encourage food donation is to establish partnerships between businesses and local charities.  

By creating a streamlined process for food recovery, businesses can easily donate surplus food that is still safe for consumption. This not only helps to alleviate hunger in the community but also reduces the environmental impact associated with food waste.  

Additionally, businesses can benefit from tax incentives for their donations, creating a win-win situation that promotes social responsibility while contributing to sustainability efforts. The National Restaurant Association offers resources for reducing and managing food waste through better sourcing, reuse, donation, and menu engineering.

Compost 

Composting is an excellent way to dispose of food scraps. It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and produces valuable compost for gardens. Composting not only helps in managing food waste but also enriches the soil, promoting healthier plant growth. By turning food scraps into compost, we can return valuable nutrients back to the earth, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers that can harm the environment.  

Additionally, composting can significantly decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills, thereby lowering methane emissions produced during decomposition. Community composting initiatives can further enhance this effort by bringing people together to share resources and knowledge, fostering a sense of community while addressing the pressing issue of food waste. The EPA provides guidelines and tips for effective composting.

The Role of Businesses & Governments

Companies can implement better inventory management systems and donate surplus food, while governments can create policies that encourage food waste reduction and support food recovery programmes.  

One effective approach for businesses to minimise food waste is to adopt a circular economy model, which emphasises the reuse and recycling of food products. This approach encourages businesses to rethink their supply chains and find innovative ways to repurpose food that would otherwise go to waste. For example, food manufacturers can transform surplus ingredients into new products, and restaurants can use vegetable scraps for stocks or sauces.  

Moreover, a promising initiative that can drive significant change is the implementation of food waste audits within organisations. By conducting regular assessments of food waste, businesses can identify key areas where waste occurs and develop targeted strategies to address these issues. This data-driven approach fosters accountability and encourages a culture of sustainability within the organisation. 

Sharing the results of these audits with employees can raise awareness and inspire collective action towards reducing food waste, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly operation.

Reducing food waste is essential for combating climate change. By understanding the food wastage footprint and implementing strategies to reduce waste, we can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. It’s an effort that requires action from individuals, businesses, and governments.  

Let’s work together to create a sustainable future. Contact our recruitment experts today to discuss how we can help your business meet its sustainability goals and attract talent committed to reducing food waste.