International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day
International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day is here - it's a day where we raise awareness of food waste around the world and our part in it. Every year, millions of tons of food are wasted, while millions of people go hungry. We can all play our part in paving a more sustainable future, making the correct choices about how we consume and what we waste.
The Scale of the Problem
Globally, about one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. This equals roughly 1.3 billion tons per year, which not only represents a massive waste of resources—like water, labor, and energy—but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the environmental consequences, food waste has severe social implications. With nearly 800 million people experiencing hunger worldwide, it is crucial we address and acknowledge the disconnect between food production and food consumption.
How You Can Make a Difference
This International Food Loss and Waste Awareness day we should all review how we can change our actions to reduce the food waste in our daily lives and target over-consumption.
Plan Your Meals
Create a weekly meal plan and shopping list to avoid overbuying. This can help you purchase only what you need and use ingredients efficiently. Get inventive with leftovers! Soups, stir-fries, and smoothies are excellent ways to use up ingredients that might otherwise go to waste.
Proper Storage
Learn how to store fruits, vegetables, and leftovers properly to extend their shelf life. Simple practices like refrigerating certain items can make a big difference.
Shop Smart
By purchasing discounted items, you not only save money but also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices in your community.
Discount Dragon
Discount Dragon is an online marketplace that makes surplus food and goods nearing its Best Before Date accessible to consumers. By offering these items at significant discounts, often near 60% less than what supermarkets would market them, the platform not only helps reduce food waste but also provides an affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Stocking everything from food cupboard essentials and snacks and treats, to home essentials like pet goods and cleaning products, Discount Dragon offers the sustainability supermarkets lack at unbeatable prices. They even have health and beauty products!
Their goal to help customers save money, and stop mis-packaged, surplus stock, or goods being wasted has reached over 20,000 customers a month, helping to build a community of people dedicated to reducing food waste.
Nutricircle
Nutricircle aims to tackle food waste by making healthy and nutritious snacks, drinks and treats which would’ve otherwise gone to waste, accessible to the public. Their focus is on helping consumers maintain a healthy and active lifestyle without the price tag, making high protein, gluten free, organic, vegan/vegetarian products plus other healthy alternatives to mainstream products accessible at affordable prices.
From healthy snacks, to high protein, and even dairy free options, there's something for everyone in the fight to eliminate food waste!
Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is a certified B corp social impact company dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to fight food waste together. They do this by connecting local businesses with over 100 million registered users, ensuring that unsold food stock doesn't go to waste. They help businesses unlock revenue from their surplus, help consumers enjoy good food at great value for money, and empower our people and partners to help protect the environment by reducing unnecessary waste. Too Good To Go has helped to save over 350 million meals from being wasted - the equivalent of 891,000 tonnes of CO2e avoided.
Olio
Olio is a mobile app for sharing by giving away, getting, borrowing or lending things in your community for free, aiming to reduce household and food waste. It does this by connecting neighbours with spare food or household items to others nearby who wish to pick up those items. There are over 8 million users worldwide that have helped to save 190 million portions of food and 28 billion litres of water - all by sharing un-eaten food and goods.
Advocate for Change
Support policies and initiatives that aim to reduce food waste at local, national, and global levels. Share information and raise awareness in your community.
Educate Others
Talk to friends and family about the importance of reducing food waste. Sharing tips and strategies can create a ripple effect in your community.
International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day 2024
As we observe International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day 2024, let’s commit to being part of the solution. Every small action counts, whether it’s reducing waste at home, advocating for better practices in our communities, or supporting organizations dedicated to tackling food insecurity. Together, we can create a world where food is valued, resources are conserved, and everyone has access to nutritious meals.
Let’s spread awareness, inspire action, and make a difference—one meal at a time.