Reducing food waste is critical, as this widespread issue impacts not only producers but also consumers worldwide. The causes can vary depending on where you are in the world. For example, in underdeveloped nations, the lack of infrastructure for transportation, storage, and processing can result in up to 40% of lost food. And farmers may sometimes overproduce due to a lack of awareness of market demand and pricing.
Overproduction can also be a result of unpredictable weather conditions or crop failures which can lead farmers to plant more crops than they would typically need to ensure that they have enough to sell. While this approach is logical it frequently results in more waste than is necessary.
It's heartbreaking to think that an estimated 220 million people in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from hunger, while at the same time, around 38% of food produced is lost or wasted.
And in South Asia, up to 40% of fruits and vegetables are lost due to inadequate refrigeration and storage. Similar problems exist in Latin America and the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh.
Believe it or not, we as consumers and food retailers are responsible for 40% of food waste in developed countries. That's a staggering 222 million tons of food wasted each year- equivalent to the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa.
It's a shocking truth that we, as consumers and food retailers, are accountable for such a massive amount of food waste. It's like throwing away a perfectly good meal for no reason at all. The worst part is that the food we waste is enough to feed those who are going hungry.
But why does this happen? Perhaps, as consumers, we often buy more than we need or fail to plan our meals effectively. Similarly, food retailers may also overstock, leading to products going bad before they are sold.
However, there are solutions that can help us combat this issue. For example, we can start by reducing the amount of food we waste in our homes by buying only what we need and using up excess food creatively. Same goes for food retailers who can implement effective inventory management systems to reduce the amount of overstocking.
Here are three examples of inventory management systems that can be used by retailers:
So, it's time to make more thoughtful decisions when it comes to food and work together to create a more sustainable food system for everyone.
Fortunately, there are initiatives like Ne’ma and WIN Sustainably in the UAE which have embraced 2023 as THE year of sustainability. We can all play a part in creating a sustainable future and that's where WIN Sustainably comes in. Instead of encouraging overproduction the app allows users to purchase excess food at a discounted price ensuring that perfectly good food is enjoyed rather than wasted.
Reducing food waste is crucial for sustainable development in the UAE. It's estimated that the country generates approximately 3.27 million tons of waste every year with nearly 60% of this being food waste. This has serious effects on the environment since food waste in landfills produces methane gas, which contributes to global warming.
In addition to the environmental impact, food waste has significant economic implications. The UAE imports approximately 90% of its food, which means that wasting food is equivalent to wasting money. So, reducing food waste can save businesses and households money while also creating new opportunities for the food industry.
Reducing food waste is essential to meet the UAE's Vision 2021 National Agenda which aims to build a sustainable future for the country. This includes reducing the country's carbon footprint, improving waste management, and promoting sustainable practices in various industries, including food.
The UAE has also implemented strict regulations to reduce food waste such as imposing fines on businesses that fail to meet food safety standards and encouraging the use of composting and recycling to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
As consumers and businesses, we all have a role to play in reducing food waste. By making simple changes in our daily lives such as planning meals, buying only what we need, and using up leftovers, we can make a significant difference in reducing food waste in the UAE. Businesses must rethink the way they produce and use food by embedding sustainability in their practices.
It's time for everyone to join forces and work towards a more sustainable future by reducing food waste in the UAE. Together, we can build a more sustainable food system for everyone. Download the app and join us in the fight against food waste. Let's make a difference today!
Join us now : https://linktr.ee/winsustainably