Food waste is acknowledged as the issue that requires a prompt action in order to ensure sustainable development. Food waste refers to food that exceeds the amount of products needed for sustaining life. Interestingly, the concept of inedible tends to vary depending on the cultural and personal preferences. Estimations suggest that one third of the food produced for human consumption tends to be wasted annually. It is inexpedient to squander food when a considerable number of people suffer from malnutrition. Needless to say, the process of reducing food waste is fraught with challenges.
When it comes to the regional aspect, more than half of all food that is wasted occurs in the developed countries, particularly in Europe and North America. However, any endeavour to reduce food waste should start with the identification of the key causes that triggers the issue. According to Gunders, food services are perfectly familiar with the issue of plate waste. There is not only the lack of public awareness, but also people tend to undervalue food, since cheap fast food is ubiquitous. Thus, the extensive menu choices that are offered to the customers confirm the statement that “a significant portion is served but never eaten” (Gunders 11).
It is worth noting that the amount of excess product can be reduced in the supply chain. Farmers should produce as many products as necessary for proper human nutritional needs as well as food security. However, retailers should sell only the amount that is necessary, whereas consumers should buy only what they really need. Under the proposed approach, ideally the surplus products are supposed be distributed equally among the people, who are not able to eat adequately. In order to address the issue of waste generation, it is necessary to fundamentally review the existing food system and take a sustainable approach.
Works Cited
Gunders, Dana. “Wasted: How America Is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill.” Natural Resources Defense Council. Issue PAPER IP:12-06-B. August 2012. Web. https://www.nrdc.org/food/files/wasted-food-ip.pdf
