A Growing Problem: The History and Impact of Food Waste

Ever wondered why food waste is such a problem? Food waste is not a new issue, but its scale has grown dramatically over the last 50 years. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), nearly 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally every year.

Comparatively, in the 1970s, food waste was significantly lower. This had us thinking about the possible reasons. Largely due to human behaviour and large chain supermarkets capitalising on large supply chains, high margin food and large turnover. This is versus a 70's style of more conservative consumption habits, localised food sourcing, and fewer processed goods.

So, what actually changed?

1. Industrialised Food Systems: The rise of supermarkets and mass production has created an overabundance of food, much of which is discarded before reaching consumers.
2. Cultural Shifts: Modern convenience and “use-by” labels have led to a "throw-away culture," even when food is perfectly safe to consume.
3. Urbanisation: The move to cities often means less connection to food origins and less space for storage or composting.

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Today, this problem isn’t just an ethical one, it’s an environmental crisis. Food waste accounts for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and if it were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter after China and the United States.

The Good News: You Can Make a Difference

Reducing food waste starts in your kitchen, and a few small steps can have a big impact on your wallet, your lifestyle, and the planet. If you're anything like us, you'll find the process somewhat addictive, starting with your kitchen and working through the house. Here’s how:

Tips to Maximise Shelf Life and Use Close-to-BBD Foods

1. Reorganise Your Fridge: Use the “first in, first out” method to rotate older items to the front, so they’re consumed before they expire.
2. Understand Labels: “Best Before” doesn’t mean “unsafe to eat.” Trust your senses to determine whether food is still good.
3. Store Smartly: Keep produce fresher longer by using reusable glass storage containers. Steer clear of the plastic ones where possible. For example, onions and potatoes should be stored in cool, dark areas, while leafy greens thrive in airtight containers with a damp paper towel.
4. Get Creative: Make soups, smoothies, or casseroles from produce that’s slightly past its peak. Soft fruits? Freeze them for desserts or drinks.
5. Batch Cooking: Prepare and freeze meals in advance to avoid letting fresh ingredients go to waste.

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Composting: Turning Waste into Gold

When food scraps are unavoidable, composting offers a natural, effective way to recycle nutrients into soil. Not only does composting divert food waste from landfills, but it also enriches soil health and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Benefits of Composting

• Reduces Landfill Impact: Organic waste decomposing in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting eliminates this.
• Improves Soil Quality: Compost nourishes plants, improves water retention, and fosters beneficial microbes.
• Cuts Waste Management Costs: By composting at home, you can reduce the number of garbage bags you use.

Composting for Urban Living: Solutions for Flats and Rentals

Composting doesn’t have to be exclusive to those with large gardens. If you live in a shared house or urban flat, here are a few space-friendly solutions:

1. Bokashi Bins: A compact indoor composting solution that ferments food scraps, including dairy and meat.
2. Worm Composting: Small vermiculture systems can live under your kitchen sink and break down food into nutrient-rich castings.
3. Countertop Composters: For tech-savvy solutions, electric composters like Lomi speed up decomposition in even the smallest apartments.
4. Community Composting: Many cities now offer compost drop-off programs or community gardens that accept food scraps.

Find your local compost centre here.

Building Better Habits in Shared Houses

• Label and Divide: Create a system to divide compostable waste from regular trash. Use clear signage for everyone in the household.
• Set a Schedule: Rotate responsibilities for emptying the compost bin to ensure everyone contributes equally.
• Odour Control: Use charcoal filters or baking soda in your compost bin to keep odours at bay.

Your Role in a Sustainable Future

Reducing food waste and embracing composting is an essential step toward a sustainable lifestyle. Small actions, like properly storing food and starting a home compost bin, can collectively make a big difference.

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Statistics That Inspire Change

• Household Impact: In the UK alone, the average family wastes £700 worth of food annually.
• Global Hunger: Wasted food could feed 2 billion people each year.
• Plastic Waste: Composting reduces the need for plastic garbage bags, cutting down on marine pollution.