Food waste is a pressing issue that not only has significant environmental consequences but also impacts household budgets. In Australia, a substantial amount of food is wasted each year, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and straining resources. However, by adopting responsible food production and consumption practices, individuals can make a positive impact on both the environment and their own financial well-being.
Australia Faces a $36.6 Billion Annual Loss Due to Food Wastage
Australia is already in the midst of a food wastage crisis. The Fight Food Waste CRC estimates that the economy suffers up to $36.6 billion in annual losses from food wastage. In terms of tonnage, that amounts to 7.6 million tonnes of food, or 312 kilograms for every Australian. Fight Food Waste CRC CEO Steve Lapidge said such a big pile would be enough to cram ten arenas the size of MCG.
In January 2024, CEO World magazine listed countries with the highest amount of food wastage. Australia ranked No 32 overall at 102 kilos of waste per capita with an annual waste output of 2.6m tonnes. Evaluators stated that Australia’s amount of food wastage was staggering considering its 26.4-million strong population and heavy focus on green initiatives. Nigeria ranked No 1 at 189 kg waste per capita for 37.9m tonnes in feeding its 216-million population. In terms of overall gross wastage, China was tops at 91.6m tonnes despite being at No 182 overall at 64kg waste per capita in a population of over 1.4 billion.
The government started the National Food Waste Strategy and National Food Waste Summit in 2017 to come up with ways to halve food wastage in the country by 2030, per one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The major problem, though, is that based on current figures, every Australian must prevent wasting up to 150 kilos of food every year to meet the 2030 target.
The Dangers of Food Waste
Food waste poses several risks and challenges. Discarded food that ends up in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Food waste also contributes to the unnecessary consumption of water, land, and energy resources used in its production, transportation, and storage.
Wasting food means wasting money. When food is thrown away, the financial investment made in purchasing and storing it is lost. This puts an unnecessary strain on household budgets, especially for families and individuals with limited finances.
While food is being wasted, there are people in Australia and around the world who struggle with food insecurity. Reducing food waste allows us to redirect resources to those in need and promote fairer food distribution.
Reducing Food Wastage
To combat food waste and lighten the load on your food budget, consider implementing the following strategies.
Meal Plans
Plan your meals for the week ahead, taking into account what ingredients you already have in your pantry and fridge. Make a shopping list based on your meal plan to avoid purchasing unnecessary items.
Buy Only What You Need
Be mindful when grocery shopping and avoid overbuying perishable items. Consider purchasing in smaller quantities or opting for bulk bins to reduce the chances of food spoilage.
Proper Storage
Store food correctly to prolong its freshness. Follow recommended storage guidelines, such as refrigerating perishables promptly, keeping fruits and vegetables separate, and use airtight containers or wraps to maintain their quality.
First In, First Out
Practise the “first in, first out” rule when organising your fridge and pantry. Rotate older products to the front to ensure they are used before newer items.
Repurpose Leftovers
Get creative with leftovers by transforming them into new meals or incorporating them into recipes. Leftover vegetables can be used in soups or stir-fries, and stale bread can be turned into breadcrumbs or croutons.
Freeze Excess Food
If you have excess food that you won’t be able to consume before it spoils, freeze it for later use. Freezing can extend the shelf life of many foods, allowing you to use them at a later time.
Some food that does not make it to market may still be taken care of before they are spoiled. In February 2024, a new freeze-dry facility opened for business in Carnarvon, WA. The facility was meant to help the Sweeter Banana Cooperative preserve much of their produce that was rejected at supermarket level. The aim is to have the produce freeze-dried and resold as ingredients for other food items such as banana bread.
Portion Control
Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid preparing more food than necessary. Start with smaller portions and allow people to serve themselves more if desired. This approach reduces the likelihood of uneaten leftovers.
Get Creative with “Ugly” Produce
Don’t judge a fruit or vegetable by its look. Many imperfect or “ugly” produce items are perfectly fine to eat, addressing a major issue faced by the banana growers mentioned above. Consider purchasing them at discounted prices or using them in soups, smoothies, or sauces.
Benefits of Reducing Food Waste
Reducing food waste not only benefits the environment but also positively impacts your finances.
You can stretch your food budget further if you can reduce the amount of food you buy. Purchasing only what you need and repurposing ingredients or leftovers allow you to make the most of your grocery purchases and cut unnecessary expenses.
When you plan your meals and minimise food waste, you can decrease the frequency of grocery shopping trips. This saves both time and money spent on transportation costs.
Through adopting responsible food practices and valuing the resources that go into food production, you develop a greater appreciation for what you eat. This mindfulness can lead to healthier eating habits and a more conscious approach to food consumption.
Sustainable agricultural practices are worth their weight in gold by being able to reduce food waste yourself. When the demand for food decreases, farmers can focus on producing quality food rather than maximising production to compensate for waste.
Conclusion
Food is always categorised as one of the “three basic needs” to live – the others being shelter and clothing. And when people realise how much leftovers are simply thrown away, it can even spark thoughts on how many famished people are still out there who would go to extraordinary lengths to have that food for their family.
Reducing food waste is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and financially responsible lifestyle in Australia. Implementing practical strategies such as meal planning, proper storage, and repurposing leftovers can help consumers minimise food waste and make a positive impact on the environment and the household budget.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. QUICKLE has no relationships with any organisation mentioned.
