Here are 5 simple rules to adopt to reduce food waste: only buy what you need, use what you have in the fridge, serve moderate portions, reuse leftovers, and share food with others. Data and statistics show that on average each person throws away about 65 kilograms of food per year, contributing to a significant amount of food waste. This waste also includes food from markets, restaurants, and supermarkets, which organizations like food banks struggle to intercept. It’s important to change this habit and focus on recovery and redistribution to the most vulnerable and needy groups.
The Italian government established the International Day of Awareness on Food Waste in 2014, and the United Nations later officially introduced it. The objective is to prevent waste and reduce the environmental impact of food waste. In Italy alone, food waste amounts to 12.3 billion euros and weighs 5.5 billion tons. Half of this waste occurs in domestic consumption, impacting family economies and contributing to excessive water usage for food production.
Waste disposal also generates greenhouse gases. Additionally, intensive agriculture for meat production contributes to the overexploitation of cultivated land. It’s essential to pay more attention in restaurants, canteens, and supermarkets to reduce food waste. By implementing these measures, we can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly food system.