Waste from cooking and production processes, unsold food, leftovers, 
food that went back in a refrigerator. If we pay attention, a lot of food waste is produced in our daily lives.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP's)Food Waste Index Report 2021, 931 million tonnes of food are wasted annually worldwide, which is equivalent to one-third of global food production. Every year, on the 29th of September, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. It's a day dedicated to reflecting upon the global issue of food loss and waste that is impacting our planet.
The Environmental Impact of Food Waste
Unlike other types of waste, food waste contains a lot of water. Therefore, more energy is required when it is incinerated. It contributes to approximately 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This not only accelerates climate change but also results in putrid odors, vermin infestations, compromised water quality, fires, and air pollution from waste transportation.
The most effective solution to this problem is surprisingly simple: don't waste food. Buy only what you need, prepare the right portion sizes, and store leftovers properly. By minimizing food waste at the source, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact.
Composting as a Sustainable Approach
While some food waste is inevitable, such as vegetable peels and scraps, we can still minimize its negative consequences. One effective solution is to compost. It is a biodegradation method in which organic matter such as food scraps and leaves decompose into soil. This soil could be used for your gardens and farms. Over the years, composting has been widely adopted as an environmentally friendly way to reduce food waste.
Why Composting?
1. Reduce Negative Environmental Impacts: Composting diverts organic waste away from landfills and open dumping sites, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing contamination. This environmentally friendly practice alleviates issues like fires, odors, and vermin infestations at disposal sites.
2. Improve Soil Conditions: Compost, a byproduct of organic waste composting, can serve as a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enriching soil with essential nutrients.
Types of Composting Systems
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Household- and Community-Based Composting (Decentralized Composting): This approach encourages households and communities to compost their organic waste locally. It's technically manageable, involving containers like plastic baskets, clay pots, cardboard, or barrels.
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Centralized Composting: In cases where local governments can ensure proper separation of organic waste at the source, centralized composting facilities may be employed.
Composting is a sustainable approach where food waste is mixed with soil and transformed into nutrient-rich fertilizer, a 'resource'. Moreover, if composting levels worldwide increased, we could reduce emissions by 2.1 billion tonnes by 2050.
On International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, let us pledge to make a difference. Reducing food waste and adopting composting practices are vital steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. By minimizing food loss, we can protect our planet, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil quality, making it a win-win for both our environment and our future generations.
Learn more about compositing from here:
CCET guideline series on intermediate municipal solid waste treatment technologies: Composting
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