Food Waste Reduction

Definition

Food waste reduction refers to strategies and practices aimed at decreasing the amount of food that is discarded or thrown away, allowing for more sustainable and efficient food consumption.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Food waste reduction involves systematic approaches to minimizing food loss within the supply chain from production, processing, to consumption stages. It focuses on increasing the efficiency of food utilization and sustainability by adopting various techniques and technologies to prevent wastage.

Benefits

• Saves money by reducing food bills.
• Contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production.
• Conserves resources such as water and energy used in food production.
• Helps in addressing food shortages by making more food available for those in need.

Examples

• Planning meals in advance to buy only necessary ingredients.
• Using leftovers creatively to prepare new meals.
• Storing food correctly to extend its shelf life.
• Composting food scraps instead of throwing them away.

Additional Information

• Importance: Reducing food waste is crucial for conserving resources, saving money, and minimizing environmental impacts.

Related Terms

• Sustainability

References

• Food waste: an introduction to the issue and what it means.
• Reducing Food Waste: What Americans care about and how to Desi gn the Best Solutions