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The Shocking Truth About Food Waste: 29 Practical Tips to Make a Difference

Do you remember being scolded as a child for not finishing your meal? “Clean your plate! There are starving kids in Africa.” It’s a phrase that has been etched in our minds since childhood, but the reality is that food waste is a massive problem globally. In fact, the amount of food waste produced each year is enough to feed nearly 1 billion hungry people worldwide.

The Difference Between Food Loss and Food Waste

Experts distinguish between food loss and food waste. Food loss occurs during processing, before it reaches supermarket shelves, primarily in developing countries. Food waste, on the other hand, happens when food reaches the end of the supply chain but isn’t consumed, mainly in developed countries like the U.S.

The Alarming Statistics

One-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, amounting to 1.3 billion tons of food per year. Less than a quarter of this could feed hungry people worldwide. The U.S. is one of the largest contributors to food waste, with Americans throwing away approximately 40% of their food supply each year. This waste translates to a staggering $165 billion lost annually, not to mention the environmental resources wasted on growing food that’s discarded.

The Good News: Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

The United Nations has launched a global campaign, Think Eat Save, to combat food waste. As individuals, we can implement small changes to reduce food waste. Here are 29 practical tips to get you started:

At the Store

1. Shop smart: Plan meals, use grocery lists, and avoid impulse buys.
2. Buy exactly what you need: Purchase loose produce and grains in bulk to avoid over-buying.
3. Be realistic: Don’t stock up on items you won’t use.
4. Buy funny-looking produce: Many fruits and vegetables are thrown away due to their appearance; buying them helps reduce waste.
5. Have a Plan B: Use up ingredients that might otherwise go to waste.

At Home

6. Practice FIFO: First In, First Out; move older products to the front of the fridge/freezer/pantry.
7. Monitor what you throw away: Track your waste to identify areas for improvement.
8. Take stock: Plan meals around products nearing expiration dates.
9. Designate a “use-it-up” meal: Use leftovers and other food that might otherwise go to waste.
10. Eat leftovers: Freeze them for later or use them in new meals.

During Mealtime

24. Check in with your belly: Serve yourself smaller portions and take breaks to assess your hunger.
25. Split the dish: Share meals with friends when eating out.
26. Take home leftovers: Ask for a takeout container to reduce waste.
27. Share: Gift excess food to friends, family, or neighbors.
28. Go trayless: Skip the tray when eating in a cafeteria to reduce waste.
29. Educate others: Raise awareness about food waste to inspire change.

By implementing these simple tips, you can make a significant impact on reducing food waste and saving money. So, what are you waiting for? Start making a difference today!