Food waste

Food waste refers to the discarding of edible food items due to reasons like overbuying, improper storage, or over-preparation. It includes food that is lost from farm to table – during production, processing, retail, and consumption

​FOOD WASTE

Losses during harvesting due to improper practices, equipment inefficiencies, or natural calamities.

​​Agricultural Production

​Damage during processing, inadequate storage facilities, or logistical problems leading to spoilage

​​Processing and Distribution:

Unsold items due to overstocking, aesthetic standards (rejecting imperfect-looking produce), and improper portion sizes.

​​retail and food services

​Over-purchasing, confusion over labels (like 'best before'), poor meal planning, and improper storage at home

​​consumers

Composting

- Definition: Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants.

- Benefits: It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides nutrients to the soil.

- Process: Involves collecting organic waste, like food scraps and yard waste, and allowing them to decompose in a controlled environment.

- Usage: The resulting compost can be used in gardening, landscaping, horticulture, and agricultural applications.

Effective Sorting: Separating organic waste from recyclables and non-recyclables.

- Reduction and Reuse: Encouraging less wasteful packaging and reusable containers.

- Education: Informing consumers and businesses about ways to reduce food waste.

- Policy Interventions: Implementing policies for better food donation practices and reduced food wastage in the supply chain.

Up cycling

Definition: Upcycling in the context of food waste refers to the process of transforming by-products or waste materials into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.

- Examples: Using coffee grounds for making biofuels or skincare products, turning discarded fruits or vegetables into jams, pickles, or other food products.

- Benefits: It not only reduces waste but also adds value to otherwise worthless materials.