Two years ago the UN did a magical move. They announced that the 29th of September would now be known as the offical date of national food loss and waste reduction. Now magical might of been an indulgent term but it’s a step in the right direction at least. 

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Raising awareness and highlighting a topic that effects all of us is so essential to being able to tackle this problem on all levels. Food loss and waste is a crucial sector of sustainable development. From production/produce, distribution procedures and consumer trends its an entire supply chain that is being reassessed to ensure that by 2030 our waste is cut in half.

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Like all things grand, change must come from the top, so by having a national day it applies pressure to those public authorities to seek alternatives that are better for the environment and to give the opportunity for the waste to be utilised for those effected by hunger. 

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Fao.org has some crazy statistics, 12% of food thats produced is lost between harvest to retail and then an insane amount of 17% of food globally is wasted. Based on these two statistics alone that’s 29% of food that has wasted water, land, energy, labour and capital to only end up in landfill, creating more greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change. Wild. 

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What can you do?

1. Donate your food. Olio is a great app that allows you to share your unneeded food (and some house hold goods) to those near by. Donate to a local charity. Just because your banana’s are brown doesn’t mean the cook at your local homeless soup kitchen cant turn it into a delicious banana bread. 

2. ‘Nothing in the fridge’ type of mentality. Personally i’m the worse for this (no ones perfect lol) It’s the end of the week and there is absolutely nothing to eat. Get creative. Combine all ingredients you have left over, pop on some tunes and make some magic in the kitchen. 

3. Dispose of hazardous household waste correctly. Items like batteries, fertilisers, ink cartridges and medicines leak into our soil and water supply, damaging our natural resources that produce our food.

4. Reduce your water usage. This one has been circling around since I was a child, but in case you forgot! Turn the tap off whilst you brush your teeth, exfoliate your body instead of standing under the shower while you're waiting for your leave in hair treatment to be ready, wash your car on the grass and use the dishwasher instead of hand washing. 

5. Purchase fish species that are in abundance or fish that’s sustainably sourced or eco labelled. 

6. Purchase local food produce. This reduces the distances for trucks to travel and fights pollution.

7. Educate yourself on food production and reconnect with the process that goes into getting food to your plate.

8. Compost all your food scraps and reduce your carbon footprint.

9. Make something fun out of left overs or freeze them for later use.

10. Smaller portions are good for the environment and the waist line.

11. Understand that there is a difference between “best before” and “use by” dates. Did you know that local homeless organisations are allowed to give packaged food out until one year after the “best before” date!

12. Rotate your food in your cupboard. Newer products towards the back and older ones to the front can save a few packets being lost and thrown as waste. Also putting food in containers and keep them sealed tight can ensure your products last longer.

13. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Chose the ugly fruit and veg that no one else wants. Just because it’s oddly shaped doesn’t mean its still not tasty! Any mature fruit and veggies in your house can always be used for smoothies or juices…plus they taste way better!

14. Buy only what you need. Each day I ride or walk to the local grocer and buy what I need for the day and the next morning. It keeps my fridge fresh and my consumerism low.

15. And last but not least, adopt a healthier more sustainable diet. It is crucial to be more aware of what fuel you're using to keep your body healthy and happy.

In due respect, technology has played a part of assisting less wastage. We’re seeing app’s that encourage people to buy end of stock from restaurants and cafes that would otherwise be disposed of. We’re also seeing food being donated to those in need. Similarly the 3D product design for produce has also been utilised for post harvest stock. This concept includes a popular multi purpose wooden crate design for fresh produce to be transported in, handled, stored and displayed for retail. This means less chance of food being destroyed through handling and the transportation process. 

These changes don’t seem to hold much weight, but collectively, each person actively doing the right thing can lead to making a massive impact. Together with the FAO highlighting the importance of food loss and waste reduction whilst putting pressure on businesses and governments to also act we will start to see a positive change for the humans and for the planet. 

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