Abstract
Food waste is a global predicament that spans across various socioeconomic, environmental, and humanitarian dimensions, presenting a critical challenge in today's world. Economically, the cost of discarded food amounts to billions of dollars annually, affecting not only individual households but also food producers, suppliers, and retailers. Socially, in a world where millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition, the sheer volume of discarded food stands in stark contrast to the millions who lack access to adequate nutrition. Moreover, the environmental impact of food waste is substantial. The environmental footprint of this wasted food is not confined to its disposal, but extends back to its production, encompassing the entire supply chain. This chapter aims to explore the various facets of food waste, its underlying causes, impacts, and the diverse strategies employed globally to mitigate and manage this critical problem, seeking a more sustainable and efficient food system for the future.
TopIntroduction
The poignant words of influential figures echo the criticality of addressing food waste as an imperative issue intertwined with sustainability and global well-being. Tristram Stuart aptly highlights the multifaceted nature of food waste, encapsulating how cutting food waste isn’t merely about fiscal savings but an altruistic endeavour that assists in nourishing populations and safeguarding our planet. This sentiment is further underscored by Hilary Benn's call for a paradigm shift towards a zero-waste society, emphasizing the need to repurpose valuable resources like aluminum and food waste instead of needlessly discarding them. Thomas Keller's words echo a fundamental truth—that respect for food transcends mere sustenance; it embodies our values and actions.
Jonathan Bloom astutely remarks on the pervasive yet often neglected nature of food waste. The ubiquitous acceptance of this issue doesn't equate to its insignificance; rather, it's a challenge that requires recognition and action. Nina Fedoroff emphasizes the intertwined impact of food waste on our dietary habits, energy consumption, and climate crisis, drawing attention to the complexities embedded in this seemingly routine problem.
Food security, as outlined by the FAO, is contingent upon more than just access to food; it necessitates a balance between physical, social, and financial access to nourishing sustenance. Food loss and wastage, delineated by the FAO, signify not just a reduction in food quantity but the removal of items fit for consumption, attributing the causes to economic behaviors, mismanagement, and negligence. The implications of wastage at the consumer end are far-reaching, affecting not only economic and societal spheres but also posing significant ecological ramifications.
Food waste, encompassing unused items fit for human consumption, significantly impacts sustainability, depleting vital resources and posing risks to food security. It permeates every segment of the supply chain, with the greatest loss incurred when edible items are squandered. This research aims to delve into the behavioral patterns of food waste among the Indian populace, intending to inform policies and regulations aimed at curtailing wastage and promoting a sustainable, conscientious approach to food consumption and management.