Food waste and sustainability: Challenges and possible measures
Food waste and sustainability are increasingly attention-grabbing topics in today's society. The non-profit organization Ätbart works to increase knowledge and awareness about both food waste and food poverty in Sweden and drives public opinion on these issues.
Livsmedelsverket published data in September showing that Swedish households throw away food worth SEK 14 billion annually. For an average individual, this corresponds to around SEK 1,330 each year - money that could have been used instead
course literature, rent or more fun things such as the next session! Every wasted morsel and penny counts, and small changes in everyday life can contribute to both financial savings and reduced environmental impact. The data shows that the climate impact from
food waste globally is greater than from the aviation industry. Emissions from wasted food are estimated to be four to five times higher than the combined emissions of the aviation industry. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China and the United States. Do you want to know more about food waste? See more at Ätbart!
What is food waste?
Food waste occurs at several stages in the food chain, from agriculture and transport to retail and households. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency distinguishes between unavoidable food waste, such as peels, bones and coffee grounds, and unnecessary food waste, such as leftover food and unopened
food packaging. The unnecessary food waste is what is often called food waste.
The Swedish Food Agency's description of food waste is food that is fine to eat but which, for various reasons, is not eaten or drunk. As food waste occurs at all levels, measures to reduce waste cannot focus solely on the individual. Significant system-level efforts are required, such as improved logistics solutions and technology development, as well as legislation, policies and financial incentives that counter resource wastage throughout the food chain.
Measures and tips
But for a common reduction in food waste, we can all contribute and take measures in our everyday lives. Some recommendations for reducing own waste are to:
- Plan the meals. In student accommodation, a lack of storage is often an obstacle to managing both raw materials and leftovers. Planning meals so as not to have too much food or ingredients left over is important to reduce waste. If you have cooked too much food or are tired of eating the same large stew, exchanging food boxes with others can contribute to both variety and reduced waste.
- Understand the best before date. The best before date indicates how long a product is expected to maintain promised quality, but the product is often fully edible even after this date. By using all the senses to assess whether the food has gone bad, you can avoid unnecessary waste. Storing food properly can also make it last long past the best before date.
- Avoid buying traps. Promotions and offers can tempt you to make larger purchases than necessary. However, buying only what is needed reduces both food waste and the risk of losing money on large purchases that end up being thrown away. If you still want to shop cheap, food is often reduced in price with a short time left until its best before date. These items are at risk of being thrown away by the store if they are not sold, buying them can both reduce food costs and the store's wastage.
- Shop local and seasonal. Locally produced raw materials in season are often cheaper and have a lower environmental impact than imported goods. For example, you can take the opportunity to buy cheap Swedish apples in the fall.
Do you want to support Ätbarts work?
By supporting Ätbarts work, you contribute to a more sustainable future. Ätbart are currently nominated for the Änglamarks prize, by voting you give important support to their business. If Ätbart is awarded the prize, the prize money will be used to strengthen the work of spreading knowledge, supporting food banks and drawing attention to issues of food waste and food poverty. More information about the vote is available here!