Food waste

We are 7 billion people in the world, 1 billion suffers from starvation, and the global food industry produces enough food for 12 billion people.

In Germany 18,4 billion tons of food end up in the trash each year. That is 313 kilograms per second.

40% of foodwaste is produced in our own households, 60% through over-production and formal standards (shape, size, visual appearance). Up to 50% of the food coming from fields is thrown away before it even reaches the shelves of markets.

I have worked in a food store and seen how much good products are thrown away only because there is a tiny rot, black dots or it doesn't look good, although it is still fresh and actually good to eat. While there are millions of people starving in the world, large supermarket chains waste food every day. It makes me angry. 

It is difficult to estimate how much food we will consume. I especially experience it right now, when living independently. My tactic is to plan meals for the next 3 days, not more, and buy fresh food every day in small amounts. Another reason for food waste is wrong storage of fruits and vegetables. Some have to be kept dry, others wet; some belong into the fridge, others don't; certain sorts are not allowed to be stored together. Below you can find information about where and how to store groceries and how much you will extend their life span in such way.

Now let's look on food waste in industrial frame. GMO and pesticides make plants infertile, therefore farmers have to buy new seeds every year. However, everyone knows that the reason for genetic engineering is to make more and better of something. Absurd circle, isn't it?! Between the years of 1903 and 2018 96% of the seed sorts extincted. We are left with 4%.

I really try my best to avoid food waste, and talk about this with my friends and family. Unfortunately, not always we succeed, but good intention and endeavor to change for the better is a step towards greener environment and a friendly hand to someone who needs it.

RECOMMENDED - a documentary about food waste in Australia and one woman who fights it with great success and makes the difference in the rest of the world too.

'Food Fighter': One woman's battle against food waste

This Is Exactly How To Store Your Groceries