Fighting Food Waste Simple Steps for Big Change

Food wastage is a significant global issue with farreaching consequences for the environment, economy and society.

- By Sneha Deb

It occurs at every stage of the food supply chain, from production and processing to retail and consumption.

One of the main causes of food waste is overproduction, where farmers produce more food than can be sold or consumed. This can be due to unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating market prices, and a lack of efficient storage and transportation facilities. Additionally, strict cosmetic standards imposed by retailers often lead to perfectly edible fruits and vegetables being discarded simply because they do not meet aesthetic criteria.

In households, food waste is often caused by poor meal planning, improper storage and confusion over expiration dates. Many people buy more food than they need, leading to spoilage and unnecessary waste. Large portions served in restaurants and at home often result in leftovers not properly stored or reused.