Food Wastage: A Global

Crisis
Food wastage is a pressing global issue that has far-reaching environmental, social,
and economic consequences. From perfectly edible produce ending up in landfills to
households discarding uneaten meals, the scale of this problem is staggering. In this
presentation, we will delve into the root causes of food wastage, its detrimental
impact, and the innovative solutions that can help us combat this crisis and build a
more sustainable food system for all.

by Akshat Pal
Why Food Wastage Matters
Environmental Impact Social Implications Economic Burden

Globally, over 800 million people Food waste represents a

When food is wasted, all the struggle with hunger and food significant economic loss, both for
resources used to produce, insecurity. Yet, an estimated one- individuals and businesses.
process, transport, and store it are third of all food produced is lost or Consumers in industrialized
also wasted. This includes water, wasted. This paradox exacerbates countries waste an average of
land, energy, and fossil fuels, social inequalities and perpetuates $1,500 worth of food per year,
contributing to environmental the cycle of poverty and while the global cost of food
degradation through greenhouse malnutrition in many wastage is estimated at $1 trillion
gas emissions, water scarcity, and communities. annually.
soil depletion.
Causes of Food Wastage
Overproduction 1
Farmers and food producers often over-
supply the market, leading to excess
inventory that ultimately goes unsold 2 Poor Storage and Handling

and wasted. Inadequate storage facilities, improper

transportation, and mishandling of food can
result in spoilage and loss before it reaches
Consumer Behavior 3 the consumer.

Consumers' tendencies to overbuy, impulse

purchase, and lack of meal planning
contribute significantly to household food
waste.
The Global Food Wastage Epidemic

1 Startling Statistics 2 Regional Disparities

Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food is In developed countries, the majority of food
wasted or lost every year, amounting to roughly waste occurs at the consumer level, while in
one-third of all food produced for human developing nations, it is primarily due to
consumption. inefficiencies in the supply chain and storage
infrastructure.

3 Economic Burden 4 Exacerbating Hunger

The economic cost of global food wastage is Despite the staggering amount of food wasted,
estimated at $1 trillion per year, a figure that does over 800 million people worldwide still suffer
not include the environmental and social impacts. from chronic hunger and malnutrition.
Innovative Solutions to Reduce Food Wastage

Food Recovery and Redistribution Improved Storage and Preservation

Initiatives that rescue surplus food from farms, Investing in advanced storage technologies, such as
retailers, and households and redistribute it to food refrigeration, controlled-atmosphere packaging, and
banks, soup kitchens, and other organizations smart labels, can extend the shelf life of food and
serving vulnerable populations can help address both reduce spoilage throughout the supply chain.
food waste and food insecurity.

Consumer Education Policy Interventions

Campaigns that teach consumers how to properly Governments can play a key role in addressing food
store, meal plan, and use up leftovers can wastage through legislation, such as banning organic
significantly reduce household food waste. waste from landfills, setting food waste reduction
Encouraging a shift in attitudes and behaviors is targets, and providing financial incentives for food
crucial to tackling this issue. recovery and recycling initiatives.
Inspiring Case Studies

Community Food Banks Farm-to-Table Initiatives Policy Interventions

Many food banks and pantries have Several countries have
established successful food By connecting local farmers implemented policies and
recovery programs, partnering with directly with consumers, farm-to- regulations to address food wastage,
local businesses and organizations table programs help minimize food such as banning the disposal of
to rescue surplus food and provide waste throughout the supply chain. organic waste in landfills, setting
it to those in need. These initiatives These initiatives promote national food waste reduction
not only reduce waste but also sustainable agriculture, support targets, and providing financial
address food insecurity in their small-scale producers, and incentives for food recovery and
communities. encourage the consumption of recycling programs. These policy-
fresh, locally-sourced food. driven approaches can catalyze
systemic change.
What You Can Do

Smart Shopping Proper Storage Composting Get Involved

Make a meal plan, create Learn how to properly Divert food scraps from Volunteer at local food
a shopping list, and only store different types of landfills by starting a banks, support
buy what you need to food to extend their shelf compost bin, which can organizations that recover
avoid impulse purchases life and reduce spoilage. turn organic waste into and redistribute surplus
and unnecessary waste. nutrient-rich soil for your food, or advocate for
garden. policy changes to address
food wastage.
The Path Forward
Awareness
Educate yourself and others about the scale and impacts of food wastage, inspiring a shift
in mindsets and behaviors.

Action
Implement practical solutions in your own life and community to reduce food waste, such
as meal planning, proper storage, and supporting food recovery initiatives.

Advocacy
Advocate for policy changes and sustainable practices that address food wastage at a
systemic level, driving broader societal transformation.
Resources for Further Learning
United Nations Environment Programme www.unep.org/thinkeatsave

World Resources Institute www.wri.org/initiatives/champions-12.3

ReFED www.refed.com

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) www.fao.org/platform-food-loss-waste

Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org/issues/food-waste

These organizations offer a wealth of information, research, and resources to help you dive deeper into the issue of food
wastage and explore ways to take action. Whether you're looking to learn more or get involved in the fight against food
waste, these websites are a great starting point.
Questions and Discussion
Thank you for your attention. We've covered a lot of ground today, from the staggering scale of global food wastage to
the innovative solutions being implemented around the world. Now, I'd like to open the floor for any questions or
thoughts you might have. What aspects of this issue are you most curious about or passionate about? I'm eager to hear
your perspectives and dive deeper into this critical topic together.