From Waste to Worth: Investing in Food Waste Reduction for a Sustainable Future | IDAFLW 2024

From waste to worth
On September 29th, 2024, we mark the 5th annual International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). This day is all about shining a light on the importance of reducing food waste. This year’s focus is on the need for more funding to help tackle food waste, crucial for reaching climate goals and supporting a sustainable future. 

But why should we care? Globally, an astonishing one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted each year, resulting in a financial loss of nearly USD 940 billion (1,500 billion NZD). This not only represents a colossal waste of resources but also a missed opportunity to address millions facing food insecurity. 

Here in Aotearoa, the average household discards around $1,500 worth of edible food annually, contributing to a national loss exceeding $3.2 billion each year! 

FOOD WASTE EXPLAINED

Did you know that roughly one-third of all food produced globally is never eaten? Every time we toss food into the bin, we're contributing to a massive, yet invisible, environmental catastrophe.

Addressing food loss and waste is essential for improving the overall efficiency of our food systems. This helps ensure that more food reaches those in need, and reduces the impact on our environment. 

To support the reduction of food waste around the world, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3 has specifically set a target to reduce global food waste per capita by 2030, both at the retail and consumer levels, and along production and supply chains.  

Investing in technologies, infrastructure, and initiatives that minimise food loss and waste will lead to significant returns—helping to meet climate goals, ensure food security, and contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

How you can take action this IDAFLW Day  

By reducing food waste and valuing the resources that go into the production of food, we can save money while contributing to a healthier planet.  

Here are some ways you can make a difference at home: 

  1. Learn more about Why Food Waste Matters and share your knowledge with others.
  2. Plan Your Meals: Reduce waste by planning meals in advance and buying only what you need. 
  3. Create an Eat Me First shelf: A place to put perishable foods and reminding your household exactly what needs to be eaten first. Get started with a sticker here.
  4. Compost: Even with the best efforts, some food waste is inevitable. Composting food scraps is a great way to return nutrients to the soil and reduce landfill waste. 
  5. Support Local Initiatives: Get involved with or donate to local organisations focused on reducing food waste and supporting sustainable practices. Discover food rescue organisations here. 
  6. Advocate for Policy Change: Use your voice to encourage governments and businesses to prioritise food waste reduction as part of their climate action strategies. Our friends at NZ Food Waste Champions and Kai Commitment are putting in a lot of amazing mahi in this space.  

This IDAFLW 2024, let’s commit to accelerating our efforts to reduce food loss and waste. By making small changes now, we can improve food security, protect our environment, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Whether through better meal planning, proper food storage, or advocating for policy changes, every small step can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.