### Stop Wasting Food: A Call to Action

Food waste is a significant global issue that affects not only our environment but also our economy and society. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted each year. This amounts to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food, enough to feed millions of people worldwide². Here are some practical steps we can take to reduce food waste and make a positive impact.

#### 1. **Shop Smart**

One of the primary reasons for food waste is overbuying. To avoid this, make a shopping list and stick to it. Plan your meals for the week and buy only what you need. Frequent trips to the grocery store can help you purchase fresh produce and reduce the likelihood of food spoiling before you can use it¹.

#### 2. **Store Food Correctly**

Improper storage is a major contributor to food waste. Learn how to store different types of food to extend their shelf life. For example, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers, and onions should be kept at room temperature, while leafy greens and berries should be refrigerated. Separating foods that produce ethylene gas, such as bananas and avocados, from those sensitive to it can also prevent premature spoilage¹.

#### 3. **Understand Food Labels**

Many people misunderstand the meaning of "use by" and "best before" dates. "Use by" dates indicate when a product is safe to eat, while "best before" dates refer to the quality of the food. Often, food is still safe to consume after the "best before" date, though it may not be at its peak quality².

#### 4. **Preserve and Repurpose Leftovers**

Learning preservation techniques like pickling, fermenting, and canning can help extend the life of your food. Additionally, get creative with leftovers. Use them in new recipes or as ingredients for future meals. This not only reduces waste but also saves money¹.

#### 5. **Donate Surplus Food**

If you have excess food that you cannot consume, consider donating it to local food banks or shelters. Many organizations accept non-perishable items and even fresh produce. This helps those in need and prevents food from ending up in landfills².

#### 6. **Compost**

Composting is an excellent way to recycle food scraps and turn them into valuable nutrients for your garden. Items like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells can all be composted. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and enriches the soil¹.

#### 7. **Educate and Advocate**

Spread awareness about the importance of reducing food waste. Educate your family and friends on how they can make a difference. Advocate for policies that support food waste reduction at local and national levels.

By taking these steps, we can collectively reduce food waste, conserve resources, and help combat hunger. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a significant impact.

¹: [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reduce-food-waste)

²: [World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/08/food-waste-fao-world-hunger/)

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 10/22/2024

(1) 7 ways to reduce food waste and tackle world hunger. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/08/food-waste-fao-world-hunger/.

(2) 20 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Food Waste - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reduce-food-waste.

(3) 7 ways to reduce food waste - Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-ways-to-reduce-food-waste-in-your-kitchen.