In the brief moment between deciding to throw food away and actually throwing it away, have you ever stopped to think about the bigger picture? The fact that it’s not just a matter of wasting food, but the contribution of such wastage to one of the most pressing global crises of our time: climate change.
In a world where people are still struggling with hunger and food insecurity, it’s heartbreaking that one-third of the food produced is wasted. This alone is enough to make us rethink wasting food, but the impact of food waste goes far beyond that. In fact, food waste accounts for a large portion of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main driver of climate change.
According to the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, one-third of food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost, and most of it ends up in landfills.
When food rots in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide which is a major cause of climate change. This methane not only worsens climate crisis. It also contributes to ozone pollution linked to respiratory illnesses, reduces crop productivity, and is a leading cause of premature death worldwide.
So the next time you find yourself in that moment between the thought to throwing away food and actually throwing it out, think about the true cost: It’s not just about the time, money, and energy it took to grow and transport that food. It’s about how food waste contributes to rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and environmental damage.
Suppose you’re like most population who feel food waste is an inevitable part of modern life especially as it is often tasking to plan meals perfectly, especially with busy schedules and a tendency to overbuy food items. In that case, there are simple and effective steps we can take to reduce the impact of food waste—starting right in our kitchens.
Here are three practical ways you can make a difference:
1. Reuse leftovers
Instead of throwing away leftovers and letting them rot, get creative and use them in new meals. When you view leftovers as ingredients for your next meal rather than waste, the possibilities are endless.
2. Buy only what you need
The “buy in bulk” mentality is great for saving money, but it often leads us to buy more food than we can actually use before it goes bad. One way to reduce food waste is to buy only what you need, especially perishables. Make a weekly meal plan and shopping list and stick to it. Not only will this reduce food waste, it will also save you money and time spent figuring out what to do with extra ingredients you never get a chance to use.
3. Refrigerate and Store Properly
It is easy to assume that putting food in the fridge means it will last an extremely long time, maybe forever but that’s not always the case. Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and even cooked meals. Learn which foods should be refrigerated and which are better off stored in a cool, dry place. By understanding how to store your food properly, you’ll reduce spoilage and keep food fresh for longer.
Every meal you save from the trash is a small victory for the earth. It may not seem like much, but if we all do our part, it adds up. Climate change is not just a problem “out there”—it’s on our plates. Let’s make sure we’re doing our part to reduce its impact.
By making these simple changes, you’ll not only help reduce food waste but also take a meaningful step toward a healthier planet for future generations.