Did you know that one-third of all food produced globally—more than 1 billion tonnes—is lost or wasted between farm and fork every year? In terms of calories, that’s nearly a quarter of the world’s food supply going uneaten.
Beyond the moral and economic implications, this waste has an enormous environmental cost. Food loss and waste account for 8%–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—and if we don’t change course, this number is set to double by 2050.
So what’s driving this problem, and more importantly, what can we do about it?
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Food Loss vs. Food Waste: What’s the Difference?
Though often used interchangeably, food loss and food waste refer to different stages in the food supply chain:
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Food loss happens close to the farm, during harvesting, storage, or transport
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Food waste happens later in the chain—at retail stores, restaurants, and most commonly, in our own homes.
In fact, household food waste makes up 37% of the global total. That means we each have a powerful role to play in reducing it.
Simple Steps to Cut Down Household Food Waste
We all waste food from time to time—an overripe banana, leftovers forgotten in the back of the fridge—but with a few small changes, we can significantly reduce that waste. Here's how:
1. Organize Your Fridge and Pantry
Keep food that expires soon in plain sight. Use the “first in, first out” rule: put new items at the back, and move older ones to the front. Make a list of what you’ve bought and check use-by dates regularly.
A 2020 study showed that simply organizing your fridge and being mindful of what you buy can lead to major savings over time.
2. Plan Meals Based on What You Already Have
Instead of asking “What do I feel like eating?”, ask “What needs to be used up?” Get creative with your cooking by making meals with ingredients that are nearing expiration.
3. Use Every Bit—Even the Scraps
Explore cookbooks or websites that offer ideas for using up food scraps. Broccoli stems, stale bread, and even citrus peels can become delicious dishes with a bit of creativity..
4. Compost What You Can’t Eat
Composting food waste keeps it out of landfills and significantly reduces methane emissions. In fact, composting on a large scale could reduce emissions equivalent to taking 12 million cars off the road for 30 years!
The Benefits of Reducing Food Waste at Home
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals call for halving food waste by 2030—and for good reason. Reducing waste isn’t just good for the planet. It benefits you too:
Economic Benefits
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Save money by buying only what you need.
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Lower grocery bills with smarter meal planning.
Health Benefits
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Avoid overeating by being more intentional with meals.
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Prevent food poisoning by avoiding spoiled or improperly stored food.
Household Benefits
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A tidy, odor-free pantry and fridge.
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Fewer pests like rats and cockroaches.
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