Sansad TV: Perspective- Food Loss & Waste | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) underscores the global issue of food insecurity. Approximately 14 percent of the world's food is lost between harvest and retail, with an additional 17 percent wasted in retail and consumption. This results in 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, jeopardizing the sustainability and resilience of food systems.

Behavior and Attitude Change to Prevent Food Wastage

Addressing the alarming statistics of food waste requires a shift in household consumption patterns. Practices such as mindful grocery shopping, reducing single-use packaging, conscious ordering from restaurants, and supporting organizations like No Food Waste can significantly contribute. A change from a "food abundance" mindset to a "food scarcity" perspective is crucial in working towards a zero-waste goal.

Impact of Food Loss and Waste

The repercussions of food loss and waste extend beyond hunger, affecting resources like water, land, energy, labor, and capital. Disposal in landfills leads to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and contamination of groundwater. Reducing food waste not only mitigates pollution but also conserves energy and resources across the entire food production and distribution chain.

Importance of Reducing Food Loss and Waste

Effective reduction of food loss close to the farm can address food insecurity and alleviate pressure on land and water resources. Downstream reductions in the supply chain and at the consumer level are pivotal for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Significant improvements in food security can be achieved by focusing on early supply chain stages, especially in countries with high food insecurity levels. Additionally, reducing nutrient loss due to food waste can combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.

Way Forward

• Educate children on the importance of food and its environmental impact.
• Establish habits of donating uneaten food from household parties to charities through local NGOs.
• Follow essential food safety techniques to prevent waste.
• Implement food waste audits to understand and address the reasons behind food wastage.
• Ensure correct temperature and storage facilities for perishable items to minimize spoilage.
• Promote policies like France's mandatory donation of unsold food by supermarkets and Canada's recovery of unused food items for meal preparation.
• Emulate successful models like Sweden's recycling revolution, where less than 1% of household waste ends up in landfills, and a significant portion is converted into energy.