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.
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. In fact, anecdotal evidence indicates that more crops were left to rot in the fields and more perishables were wasted overall during the coronavirus pandemic compared to usual. This occurs as the global food distribution system has been disrupted by lockdown orders and border closures around the world. Typically, 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 whip up smoothies or cook soups at the end of the week? Can you improve operations at the restaurant or grocery store where you work 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.
