Tackling Food Waste:
A Simple Path to a Sustainable Future
Food waste is an issue that strikes a nerve with me. The sheer scale of the problem is staggering, and it’s something we can all play a part in reducing. Recently, I came across a news piece highlighting that Switzerland would run out of time if it had to rely solely on its agricultural production. This got me thinking about the broader implications of food waste, not just for Switzerland, but globally. Let’s delve into this pressing issue and explore how we can make a difference.
The Global Scale of Food Waste
To understand the gravity of the situation, consider these statistics:
One-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted between the field and our plate.
Food waste alone generates about 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, only behind China and the USA.
In 2019, approximately 931 million tonnes of food waste were generated worldwide.
These numbers are overwhelming. The environmental impact of food waste is enormous, contributing significantly to climate change.
Food Waste in the European Union and Switzerland
Bringing it closer to home, the European Union also grapples with high levels of food waste:
The EU generates around 88 million tonnes of food waste annually.
This waste equates to 143 billion Euros or 170 million tonnes of CO2.
Even more specifically, let’s look at Switzerland:
2.8 million tonnes of food are wasted every year.
One-third of this waste occurs abroad due to Switzerland's consumption levels.
60% of this total waste is considered avoidable.
Private households are the biggest contributors to food waste, meaning each of us plays a critical role in this issue.
What Does This Mean for You?
On a personal level, the average person in Switzerland is responsible for around 330 kg of food waste each year. Imagine a mountain of 330 kg of wasted food. It’s a sobering thought. But there’s good news: reducing your food waste is one of the most impactful steps you can take to live more sustainably.
Simple Steps to Reduce Food Waste
Here are three actionable steps you can start today to make a significant difference:
Buy Less Prepackaged Food: Prepackaged portions often exceed what you will realistically consume, leading to waste. Opt for bulk or loose produce where you can choose the exact amount you need.
Buy Single Units of Produce: Don’t hesitate to buy single units of fruits and vegetables if that’s what your consumption pattern requires. Buy one bell pepper, one fennel, one apple, or two bananas. If the prepackaged kilogram of cherries is too much, go to a market and ask for just 250 grams.
Make Mixed Salads or Vegetable Dishes: Use up little leftovers by creating mixed salads or vegetable dishes. This not only prevents waste but also adds variety to your meals.
Join the Movement
Reducing food waste is a crucial part of sustainable living and an essential module in my Yummy Healthy Happiness Mastermind. In this program, we discuss various small steps that lead to a significant reduction in your carbon footprint.
For more tips and a community focused on sustainability, join my free Facebook group, Our Garden Party. Together, we can inspire each other to make healthier, more sustainable choices that benefit both our lives and the planet.
Remember, every small step counts. By reducing food waste, we can make a huge impact on the environment and move towards a more sustainable future. Let’s start today!