In the world, tons of edible meals are wasted or lost each day. In the period between harvesting and selling, approximately 14 percent of the food products produced globally are wasted. Massive amounts of food are also wasted at retail or the level of consumers. 

For many people across the world, food waste has become a routine – buying more food than we really need at the market, letting our fruits and vegetables rot at home, or eating bigger portions of food than we are able to eat.

These practices put additional strain on our resources and cause harm to our environmental health. When we throw away food, it is a waste of labor as well as the effort, money, and precious resources (like seeds, water, feed, and so on.) that are required to produce it in addition to the resources used in the transportation and processing of it. In the end, food waste can increase the emissions of greenhouse gases and cause climate change.

It’s a huge issue. In reality, all over the world, tonnes of food products are thrown away or wasted each day. In the period between harvesting and selling, approximately 14 percent of the food products produced globally are wasted. Massive amounts of food are being destroyed in retail stores or at the level of the consumer.

The portion of food waste at the time of harvest, up to but not exceeding the retail level, is referred to as loss of food. The portion of food that is wasted at the retail or consumer level is known as food wastage. This distinction is made to tackle the root of this issue, which everyone from producers and farmers to shop owners and customers can assist in eradicating.

The reduction of food waste and loss is crucial in a society where millions of people are hungry every day. When we cut down on waste, we recognize that food isn’t a requirement for the millions who are in need every day.

It’s our job to alter our habits and create a zero-waste food lifestyle!

Here are some simple actions that you can perform to reconnect to food and what it means:

1. Adopt a healthier, more sustainable diet

The pace of life is extremely fast, and preparing healthy meals can be difficult. However, healthy meals don’t require a lot of effort. The internet is filled with simple, healthy recipes you can send to your loved ones and family.

2. Only buy what you will need

Plan your meals. Create a list of your shopping needs sti,ck to it, and stay clear of impulse purchases. You’ll not only waste less food, but you’ll save a better time-saving!

3. Pick up ugly vegetables and fruits

Don’t judge food based on its appearance! Unusual-shaped or damaged fruits and vegetables are frequently tossed out because they don’t conform to some arbitrary aesthetic standards. However, they’re all the same! Make use of mature fruit in smoothies or juices as well as desserts.

4. Make sure to store food in a secure way

Moving older items to the top of your cupboard or fridge, and then moving the new things towards the rear. Keep airtight containers in place to keep food items fresh in the refrigerator. Ensure that packaging is sealed to prevent bugs from entering.

5. Be aware of food labels

There’s a significant distinction between “best before” and “use-by” dates. Some foods are acceptable to consume following when you reach the “best before” date; however, it is the “use-by” date that tells you that it’s not safe to eat. Be sure to check the labels of food for harmful ingredients like preservatives, trans fats, and other components. Also, beware of foods that contain added salt or sugar.