Food Waste and Climate Change

At every stage of the food chain, from production to consumption, food waste is a serious problem. Harvest, storage, processing, sale, and consumption are all parts of the supply chain where food that is still edible may be disposed of. Therefore, reducing food waste is essential for attaining sustainable development objectives, such as lowering levels of hunger and poverty, increasing sustainable production and consumption, and preventing the effects of climate change on the environment. 

According to FAO, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted each year 

Food waste is a problem that has big environmental effects. When food is wasted, the resources of land, water, energy, and labor used to generate it are also lost. Due to this, water use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions rise unnecessarily, all of which contribute to climate change and biodiversity loss. In this blog, let us explore the connection between food waste and global warming, its impact and role of technology in addressing this  issue. 

Food Waste and Global warming- A Major Concern 

The connection between food waste and global warming lies in the significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout the food supply chain, from production and distribution to consumption and disposal. When food goes to waste, all the resources used in its production such as water, energy and land are also wasted along with th e emissions generated. Global warming is significantly exacerbated by food waste. When food is wasted, it ends up in landfills where it decomposes and generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that has a 25-fold greater effect on global warming than carbon dioxide. 

 According to the UN, after China and the United States, food waste would be the third-largest producer of greenhouse gases if it were a nation. 

The Environmental Impact of Food Waste

Greenhouse gas emissions from food waste in landfills: 

Greenhouse gas emissions are significantly increased by food waste in landfills. When organic waste, such as leftover food and grass clippings, is dumped in a landfill, it decomposes anaerobically, which results in the production of methane. 

In order to lower greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the effects of climate change, it is essential to reduce the quantity of food waste that is disposed of in landfills. Composting and anaerobic digestion are two landfill disposal alternatives that can assist in capturing methane emissions and transforming them into a valuable source of energy.

Water usage and pollution from wasted food: 

Water pollution can also be caused by food waste. Food waste can contaminate groundwater and surface water sources by leaching nutrients and contaminants into the soil and water when it is disposed of in landfills. 

Food waste can result in excessive amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus when it is transported to wastewater treatment facilities. These nutrients can cause the eutrophication of aquatic bodies. When there are too many nutrients in the water, eutrophication happens. This results in the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which deplete the water’s oxygen supply and can harm the environment by killing fish. 

Soil degradation and loss of biodiversity: 

Reducing food waste can support soil biodiversity and health. We can lessen the need for unsustainable agricultural practices and protect the natural resources used to generate food by cutting down on food waste. Composting food waste can also aid in replenishing soil nutrients and organic matter, encouraging biodiversity and fostering healthy soil.

The Economic and Social Impacts of Food Waste: 

Economic losses from wasted food: 

Food supply chain economic losses can be decreased by reducing food waste. Farmers and producers can sell more of their goods, retailers can make more money, and consumers can spend less money on food by lowering the amount of food that is wasted. Reducing food waste can also open up new revenue prospects for businesses involved in the handling of food waste, like composting and anaerobic digestion facilities. 

Food insecurity and inequality 

Food insecurity and inequality can be addressed by reducing food waste. We can repurpose resources to feed those who are food insecure by minimizing the amount of food that is wasted. Additionally, eliminating food waste can aid in protecting natural resources, minimizing the environmental effects of food production, and fostering long-term food security. Last but not least, minimizing food waste can also result in financial savings that can be applied to projects and programs that promote equality and food security. 

Social justice implications: 

These social issues can be addressed by reducing food waste. Especially in low-income and marginalized groups, we can boost the accessibility and affordability of nourishing meals by minimizing food waste. Reducing food waste can also help to safeguard the environment and improve the health and happiness of communities that depend on natural resources. Last but not least, minimizing food waste will improve global food security and lessen disparities in access to food.

Ways to Reduce Food Waste

Prevention through better storage, planning, and shopping habits: 

• The shelf life of food can be extended, and rotting can be avoided with proper storage. 

• Making a meal plan in advance can assist people in buying only what they require and utilizing items before they go bad. 

• Purchase only what is required to avoid food waste. If you won’t utilize it before it spoils, it’s crucial to fight the impulse to buy in quantity. 

• You can freeze leftovers for a later date or utilize them to make fresh meals. To keep leftovers fresh and wholesome, it’s critical to store them appropriately. 

Food recovery and donation programs: 

Programs for food donation and recovery are efficient solutions to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste. Through these initiatives, edible food that would otherwise go to waste is recovered and given to those in need. 

There is often extra food that is still safe to eat but would otherwise go to waste at many businesses, including restaurants, grocery shops, and caterers. Food recovery programs collaborate with these companies to collect the extra food and donate it to food banks, shelters, and other charitable organizations in the area that help the poor. 

Composting and other waste reduction strategies: 

Composting: The act of turning organic materials, such as leftover food and garden trash, into nutrient-rich soil is known as composting. It can be done in a backyard, on a balcony, at home, or as part of communal composting initiatives. 

Other waste reduction strategies: 

• Recycling 
• Upcycling 
• Compostable packaging 
• Food waste reduction programs

By enhancing supply chain management and fostering greater openness and accountability throughout the supply chain, blockchain traceability( can assist to reduce food wastage. The technology can support more sustainable and ecologically friendly manufacturing practices while also assisting in boosting profitability for food producers and merchants by reducing waste. 

The Potential Impact of Reducing Food Waste on Global Warming

• Reduction of GHG emissions 

Reduction in food waste reduces the release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. 

• Conservation of Energy 

Since all the production, transport and distribution activities requires energy, reducing food waste conserves energy. 

• Water Conservation 

Agriculture production being water intensive, reducing food waste conserves water resources 

• Land use 

The production of food involves deforestation and land use change. Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. By reducing food waste, we can minimize the demand for agriculture expansion and help preserve forests. 

• Promote Sustainable Development Goals 

Reducing waste aligns with few of the sustainable development goals like Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG12), Life on Land (SDG15) and Climate Action (SDG13). 

TraceX’s blockchain powered traceability solutions helps in optimizing the supply chain with end to end visibility and real-time data capture, thereby reducing food waste along the food supply chain. Tracking of quality parameters also ensures the quality of the end product, thereby reducing food waste. The streamlined processes with inventory management helps in managing shelf-life of products and prevent wastage. Traceability also enables quick product recalls thereby preventing contamination of other batches and hence food wastage. The end to end traceability solutions from TraceX helps to effectively track and manage the food supply chain which contributes to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and benefits the environment and builds a sustainable and resilient food system.

Conclusion 

One of the most important strategies for tackling the problems caused by climate change is minimizing food waste. Individuals, companies, and organizations can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing food waste through better food storage, planning, and shopping practices as well as by implementing waste reduction measures like composting, recycling, and upcycling. Programs for food donation and recovery offer another efficient means of preventing edible food from going to waste and addressing food insecurity. We can build a more sustainable food system and lessen the effects of global warming by adopting steps to reduce food waste.