THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FOOD WASTE:

How food waste affects the environment 

Haven't we all taken a big helping on our plate or ordered extra food intending to finish it all. Yet, when we haven't been able to finish it ,we unfortunately have to let it go to waste. Imagine this happens on an extremely large scale. Did you know that about one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year, which is roughly 1.3 billion tons? When we ponder upon food waste, what is actually food waste?

Food waste is food that is intended for human consumption that is wasted and lost, and refers not only to food that consumers don’t finish at restaurants and are thrown out at home, but also raw materials and produce that are lost in the farming stage, harvesting processes, during transportation, and storage.

The food wasted by us might seem like an honest mistake that's made once in a blue moon but this mistake is now a blunder that's contributing to climate crisis at a large scale. We think it goes to the landfill to be decomposed but it actually rots and destroys our environment. Here are a few negative aspects of food waste . 

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF FOOD WASTE 

1. Release of methane :

Discarded food rots to release a gas Methane that's 28 times more polluting than carbon dioxide.About 6%-8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food. 

2. Wastage of water :

Water is essential for all beings. Large gallons of water is used in agriculture. Most of these come from freshwater sources that are diminishing. Food waste increases pressure on agriculture and the most precious natural resource like water is depleted due to food waste. 

3. Biodiversity loss :

Food waste goes to landfills where toxic liquids and odor is released. This land goes to waste and species of plants and animals living there have their habitat destroyed. 

4. Wastage of resources :

Plenty of resources are used to make food. From production like land,labor ,capital to water and different ingredients, a considerable amount of input is put in. All that money,effort and resources is wasted just like the food.

5. Food insecurity :

Deviating from the impact it creates on the climate, numerous humans go hungry. 9 out of 10 people are starving every single day. Starvation or eating inedible food has become the norm in the majority of the countries. 

WAYS TO MITIGATE FOOD WASTE

Here are numerous ways you can cut down food waste. 

1. Plan then shop:

When you visit the grocery store with your shopping list ,you'll know exactly what to buy. This will save your money and food from being thrown. 

2. Store food appropriately:

Ensure you store food according to its instructions and consume perishable  items first to prevent it from expiry. 

3. Plan your meals accordingly:

If you have a meal plan or know the dates when you're eating out, then you can order or buy groceries accordingly. 

4. Use leftovers wisely:

In case you made extras or ordered more food, be creative and repurpose food smartly. Surf the net and find recipes that will help you consume the remaining food. 

5. Donate excess groceries or food:

It doesn't hurt to share what you have. Donate uneaten food to the local shelter or hungry people in need. Contact nearby organizations to see if you can help them with food. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, food waste is skyrocketing. With a direct impact on the Earth,it is quite concerning how the climate is worsening day by day. We must use our resources diligently and find ways to eradicate food waste. After all,food nourishes the soul and we must care for the planet that allows us to eat food!

SOURCES

https://www.avristech.com/food-waste-impacts-on-environment/#:~:text=When%20food%20is%20discarded%20it,11%25%20of%20Greenhouse%20gas%20emissions

https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/fight-climate-change-by-preventing-food-waste