Each year, the world throws away staggering amounts of food - 1.05 billion tons, to be exact - while 783 million people face hunger, and one-third of the global population experiences food insecurity. According to the UNFCCC, food loss and waste account for a shocking 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. To put that into perspective, this is nearly five times the total emissions from the aviation sector. Beyond the environmental cost, the economic impact is enormous, with food waste and loss costing an estimated $1 trillion annually. Read the original report here.

The environmental impact of food waste is undeniable. When food is wasted, so are the resources used to produce it - land, water, and energy - all while contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, nearly one-third of the world’s agricultural land is used to grow food that never gets eaten. On top of that, when food rots in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide. Addressing food waste is not just a matter of better resource use; it’s a key step in combating climate change.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 19% of food available to consumers is wasted at the retail, food service, and household levels. This is in addition to the 13% of food lost in the supply chain, as estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Waste at these levels results from over-purchasing, poor storage, and confusion over “best by” dates. Meanwhile, inefficiencies in harvesting, transport, and storage contribute to food loss earlier in the supply chain.

Addressing food waste is crucial for fighting climate change, achieving sustainability goals, and feeding those in need. Here are a few ways we can all make a difference:

• Buy Smart: Plan meals and purchase only what you need to reduce excess.
• Store Properly: Learn the best ways to store fruits, vegetables, and leftovers to extend their shelf life.
• Support Redistribution Efforts: Advocate for and participate in programs that redistribute surplus food to those in need.
• Compost: Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost instead of sending them to the landfill.
• Push for Policy Changes: Support policies that encourage businesses and individuals to reduce food waste and promote sustainable consumption.

Reducing food waste isn’t just about saving money - it’s about saving the planet. By making smarter choices and working together, we can turn the tide on food waste and its impacts on our environment, economy, and global food security.