Food Waste vs Food Loss - What's the Difference?

Imagine a world where one-third of all food produced is simply thrown away. Shocking, right? But this is our reality. Welcome to our deep dive into the critical issue of food waste and food loss. Stay with us to learn how you can make a difference. Food waste and food loss are often used interchangeably, but they represent different problems within the food supply chain. Food loss occurs when food is discarded or removed from the supply chain due to spoilage, pests, or inadequate climate control. On the other hand, food waste happens when edible food is thrown away due to its appearance or because it’s past its expiration date. Both food waste and food loss contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and food insecurity. According to the UN, food loss and waste generate around 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions each year. This is equivalent to the emissions from the global tourism industry. The impact is enormous. Farmers, food suppliers, and retailers face numerous challenges in delivering food to consumers, leading to significant wastage. Alarmingly, about one-third of all food produced for consumption is discarded, representing a colossal misuse of resources. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that approximately 820 million people globally are food insecure. The paradox of abundant food and widespread hunger is deeply troubling. How can we bridge this gap? The Food Loss Index (FLI) measures food loss during various stages of the supply chain, from post-harvest to pre-retail. The FLI helps local governments and policymakers identify significant loss points and develop targeted strategies. Reducing food loss enhances economic returns, reduces the environmental footprint, and improves food security. Agricultural yields and food production vary significantly by region, affecting where food waste and loss occur. In developed countries, most food waste happens at the household level due to higher production and consumer behavior. Conversely, in developing countries, substantial food loss occurs during production, post-harvest, and retail phases. Addressing these issues requires enhancing physical infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies to prolong food shelf life. Food waste and food loss significantly undermine global food security by diminishing the availability of nutritious food. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals explicitly address food waste, food loss, and food security. Goal 2 aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture by reducing food loss. Goal 12 emphasizes the need to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels. The EPA has developed a comprehensive scale of methods to mitigate the impact of food waste, known as the Wasted Food Scale. Composting presents a viable alternative to landfill disposal, significantly reducing methane emissions. Innovative practices like upcycling repurpose used materials into higher-value products, reducing waste. Feeding the hungry appears to be a logical solution, but logistical challenges often hinder this effort. Local food banks play a crucial role in redistributing food past its expiration date to those in need. Engineers and scientists have developed Landfill Methane Capture Sites to convert methane into natural gas for power. Reducing food waste at the source, improving infrastructure, and embracing innovative technologies are critical steps. You can make a direct impact by not buying surplus food, using food before its expiration date, and preserving uneaten food. Join us in creating a more sustainable food system. Follow us for more solutions and check out our new show, Made to Sustain - The Podcast.
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