The amount of wasted food is equivalent to about 9% of the global Ecological Footprint. If we cut food waste in half worldwide, we would #MoveTheDate of Earth Overshoot Day by 11 days.
That’s because at least one-third of all the food produced in the world is wasted every year in the fields, in people’s homes, and everywhere in between, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. Fruits and vegetables, plus roots and tubers have the highest wastage rates of any food (40-50%) compared to cereals (30%), fish (35%), oil seeds, meat and dairy (20%).
How can you take on food waste in your daily life? Is it about shopping smarter? Can you improve your household produce management—and cook soups at the end of the week? Do you work at a restaurant or a grocery store, and can improve operations to reduce waste? Or can you join a local organization whose mission it is to divert food from trash through donations to food aid organizations?
We are counting all the steps taken to #MoveTheDate. More steps mean more impact.
