BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) has made a call for countries to reduce food wastage and advised that they should save money and natural resources that go into food production.
In a recent press release published on its website, UNFAO noted that the total loss of food is over one billion tons per year, with developing countries such as those in the Caribbean wasting a staggeringly high number just below half of the developed countries.
“Total food losses have been estimated at 1.3 billion tons per year, which represents roughly one-third of the world food production for human consumption. The economic value of food losses and waste amounts to $680 billion in industrialized countries and $310 billion in developing countries. In total, food loss and waste amount to one trillion dollars globally.’’
The release stated that the world is estimated to have a population about nine billion people by 2050 and “now is a good time to re-examine our food behaviour and make a few changes”.
The organisation stressed the fact that foods lost or wasted could not be regained and it also represents a missed opportunity to feed the growing world population. Additionally, it comes at a steep environmental price, as land quality, water quantity and biodiversity are adversely affected.
“Wasted food also has a strong impact on global climate change,” the UNFAO noted.
You can stop good food from going to waste
According to the world food and agriculture body, an estimated 25 percent of all food calories are wasted each year and people could stop some of that from happening.
Moreover, the organisation said that people need to re-examine their food behaviour since most of them are unaware of their wasteful habits when it comes to food.
The UNFAO has however outlined a few areas that people should follow to minimise wastage of foods:
• Buy only what you need. This may sound obvious, but sometimes it is hard to follow. Think about your week and plan accordingly. Make a shopping list and stick to it. That way you’ll minimise your costs and waste less food;
• Don’t throw away perfectly good food. ‘Best by’ and ‘use by’ dates are useful (though more for the retailer than for the consumer), but they are only estimates. To find out how long food really stays fresh use websites like Still Tasty. It will give you the real breakdown on the food in your fridge;
• Store food properly. Ensure that food is stored in refrigerators and air-tight containers; and
• Reduce or share your portions. Ask for a half-portion if you don’t think you can eat a full serving in a restaurant. And don’t be shy about asking to take home your leftovers. Share your food with others or have a dinner party with your recycled food.
Get involved and let your friends know how they can make a difference by making these few changes.
