Combating food waste

Food waste is a serious problem that affects not only the environment, but also the global economy and food security. In a scenario where millions of people still suffer from hunger, it is alarming to think that almost half of the food produced ends up being thrown away. In this post, we will explore the causes, consequences and practical solutions to combating food waste and how, together, we can make a significant difference.

The Importance of Making Full Use of Food

On the website Arte Reciclada, the “Sustainable Recipes” section addresses one of the most important aspects in the fight against food waste: the full use of ingredients. Often, the most nutritious parts of fruits and vegetables, such as peels and stems, are discarded, contributing to the increase in food waste.

• The disposal of food scraps accounts for a large part of residential waste.
• By making full use of food, it is possible to significantly reduce waste and make the most of nutrients that are often discarded.

This simple concept can be applied daily in our kitchens, through creative recipes that use parts of food that would normally go to waste. By adopting these practices, we are contributing to reducing environmental impact and promoting a healthier diet.

The Growth of Waste Generation and the Role of Society

An alarming fact is that waste generation in Brazil grew at a rate of 29% between 2010 and 2014, while the population grew by only 6%. This means that we are consuming and discarding much more than necessary. Changing this scenario depends, to a large extent, on a collective effort that includes both the government and society.

A National Solid Waste Policy, implemented in 2010, aimed to eliminate landfills by 2014, but the reality is still worrying, with more than 3,000 cities maintaining these areas active. In addition, the lack of monitoring and environmental education contributes to the continuation of this problem.

• Public administration has the role of encouraging selective collection programs and promoting environmental education so that society rethinks its consumption and disposal habits.
• Individual responsibility is also essential, adopting recycling and waste reduction practices within our own homes.

Food Waste in the World: A Global Problem

THE food waste is a global problem, with impacts at different stages of the production chain. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 45% of the fruits and vegetables produced worldwide are wasted. This means that almost half of agricultural production ends up in the trash.

• In industrialized countries, such as North America and Europe, waste occurs mainly during the distribution and final consumption phase. Fruits and vegetables are discarded because they do not meet aesthetic standards, even though they are perfectly suitable for consumption.
• In Latin America and developing countries, waste occurs in the initial phase of production, due to the lack of infrastructure, knowledge and resources for adequate storage and transportation.

This data shows how food waste is not just a local problem, but a global challenge that affects every region of the world in different ways. However, there are promising initiatives that are helping to combat this problem effectively.

Global Initiatives to Combat Food Waste

Several countries have taken steps to reduce the food waste, adopting measures ranging from stricter legislation to awareness programs.

• France: The country aims to reduce food waste by half by 2025. Since 2016, a law has required supermarkets to donate perishable products that would otherwise be discarded to charities. In addition, awareness programs in schools have been essential to educate new generations about the importance of conscious consumption.
• Portugal: The “Fruta Feia” project, created by environmental engineer Isabel Soares, buys agricultural products that do not enter the commercial circuit due to their appearance or size, helping to prevent perfectly good food from being discarded.

These examples show how innovative solutions and public policies can make a significant difference in combating food waste. Each country, by adapting to its own realities, can find effective ways to deal with the problem.

Brazilian Initiatives to Combat Waste

In Brazil, creative initiatives and social projects have emerged in several regions to combat food waste. These initiatives not only help reduce waste, but also promote social inclusion and income generation.

• North East: Small frozen pulp factories are being created to make use of fruits that are not sold for aesthetic reasons. These pulps are used to make juices and sweets, generating a new source of income for families and reducing waste.
• Southern Brazil: In Porto Alegre, a movement recovered more than 300 kg of food that would otherwise be thrown away and prepared around 1,500 meals that were distributed free of charge. The aim of this event was to raise awareness among the population about the full use of food and the issue of waste disposal.
• São Paulo: The first composting center of the “Sustainable Fairs and Gardens” program was opened in 2016, transforming organic waste from street markets into ecological fertilizer. The expectation is that the project will serve as a model for other cities in Brazil, helping to prevent tons of food from being discarded in landfills.

These examples show how Brazil is also mobilizing to combat food waste, with initiatives that have a positive impact on both the environment and people’s lives.

How Can We Combat Waste in Our Homes?

While government and business initiatives are essential, each of us can contribute to reducing food waste in your daily life. Here are some simple tips for adopting more sustainable habits:

• Plan your purchases: Buy only what you really need, avoiding excesses that can lead to waste.
• Store correctly: Learn how to store food correctly to extend its shelf life. Fruits and vegetables often spoil quickly due to lack of knowledge about proper storage.
• Make full use of food: Use peels, stems and leaves in your recipes. These often discarded parts are rich in nutrients and can be used in broths, juices and salads.
• Composting: If you have the space at home, start composting your food scraps. Composting turns organic waste into fertilizer, helping to close the natural food cycle.

These are some simple ways to reduce the food waste and adopt a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle.

THE food waste is one of the great challenges of our time, with social, economic and environmental impacts. By better understanding the problem and adopting practical measures, such as making full use of food and better planning our purchases, we can make a significant difference. In addition, supporting and participating in local and global initiatives to combat waste helps build a more sustainable future for everyone.

Check out other interesting facts about recycling clicking here.
Learn how to make art by recycling, Click here.