International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction: The Need to Turn the Tide on Waste
Every year on September 29th, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction, a global movement recognised by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that underscores the urgency of addressing one of the most pressing challenges in our modern food systems day It's a day that highlights a stark contrast: although the world produces more than enough food to feed everyone, millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition. What’s the culprit? A staggering amount of food loss and waste threatens food security, the environment, and our collective future.
Why is Food Loss and Waste Such a Big Deal?
Imagine walking into a grocery store, filling your cart with delicious fruits, vegetables, and meat, only to throw 30% of it into the trash before you even get home. Sounds absurd, right? But this is exactly what happens on a global scale. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , roughly 13.2% of food produced globally is lost between harvest and retail, while another 19% is wasted in households, food service, and retail sectors. This amounts to nearly a third of all food being lost or wasted, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Food loss and waste not only affect the availability of food but also lead to significant economic losses for producers, consumers, and nations alike. Moreover, when this wastes up in landfills, it produces methane—a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In fact, food waste in landfills or 8-10% of total agrifood system emissions, further exacerbating the global environmental crisis, according to the FAO and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) .
So, how did we get here, and more importantly, how can we turn the tide?
The Economic and Environmental Impact
The economic losses from food loss and waste are staggering. Every year, trillions of dollars are wasted on food that never reaches the plates of those who need it. Whether it's spoilage during transportation or unsold food at retail stores, the economic impact is profound. But it’s not just about money. The resources used to produce this food—including water, land, energy, and labour—are also wasted. For instance, when food is discarded, it’s not just the food itself that goes to waste, but the 25% of global freshwater used to grow it as well. With populations rising and climate change putting additional strain on resources, these losses become even more critical to address.
Reducing food loss and waste has a ripple effect on society. Not only does it help make food more accessible and affordable, but it also decreases greenhouse gas emissions, helps to conserve water and energy, and supports the sustainable use of natural resources. With just six years left to meet the target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which calls for responsible consumption and production, accelerating efforts in food service design and beyond is more important than ever.
Solutions and Innovations in Food Service Design
The good news is that solutions to slash food loss and waste exist, and they’re gaining traction across the globe. From local food banks rescuing surplus food to mobile food processing systems designed to prolong the life of perishable products, innovative solutions are emerging.
Food service design plays a critical role in tackling food loss and waste. Kitchens, restaurants, and food service facilities must adapt to optimise both the production and consumption of food. But where does one start?
In the food service industry, reducing waste begins with efficient kitchen design. By integrating modern technologies such as smart refrigeration systems, chefs and food service operators can track expiration dates and optimise storage. This reduces spoilage and ensures that the freshest ingredients are always used first. Moreover, menu planning systems can predict demand more accurately, reducing over-ordering and excess production. Forward-thinking restaurants are now finding ways to repurpose food scraps, using composting systems to turn what was once considered waste into valuable resources for local agriculture.
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HPG Consulting continues to be at the forefront of this fight against food waste by offering sustainable solutions that blend food service design with waste reduction strategies. Our waste management consultation services help clients optimise their processes, ensuring that every step, from procurement to disposal, minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. By focusing on future-proof solutions, HPG enables businesses to meet their sustainability goals while cutting down on food loss.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
But technology alone won’t solve the issue of food loss and waste. There is an urgent need for awareness and collective action across the supply chain, from producers to consumers. After all, what good is cutting-edge food service design if we continue to throw away perfectly good food?
The International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction reminds us that individual actions matter. Whether it’s planning meals more efficiently, buying locally to reduce spoilage, or supporting restaurants and businesses that prioritise sustainability, we can all play a role in this fight.
The FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasize that reducing food loss and waste requires global and local actions. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to adopt integrated approaches and make better use of the food we produce. With only six years left to meet the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the time for action is now.
The Road Ahead
The clock is ticking, but the path forward is clear. Reducing food loss and waste is not just about saving money or feeding the hungry—it’s about safeguarding our future. The International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste is a call to arms for all of us to rethink how we produce, consume, and manage food. With innovative food service design, sustainable practices, and a commitment to change, we can create a world where every meal counts.
Together, we can make every bite count!
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