3.1 Sustainable Food and Food Waste V1 (1)

Session Objectives

  • Introduce sustainable food systems importance.

  • Discuss environmental impacts of food/agriculture.

  • Illustrate the global food waste issue and related policies.

  • Discuss the food waste situation in Ireland.

  • Highlight household strategies to prevent food waste.

  • Reference organizations involved in food waste reduction.

  • Provide actionable food sourcing and utilization tips.

Current Food Waste Problem

  • Global Food Production: Enough food produced to feed all, but significant losses occur.

  • Global Food Loss: Estimated 1.3 billion tonnes wasted annually, roughly one third of total food produced.

  • Undernourishment: 9% of the world’s population suffers from hunger, highlighting food distribution issues.

Environmental Impacts of Food Waste

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Estimated 25-30% of food produced contributes to 8-10% of total GHGs.

  • Economic Losses: Food loss costs around €550 billion yearly, excluding seafood.

  • Resource Waste: Significant water resources used for food that is ultimately wasted (100 times the Shannon River’s flow).

Food Waste and Climate Change

  • If food waste were a country, it would rank as the 3rd largest GHG emitter after the U.S. and China.

Food Security Issues

  • Food security is more than just having enough food; it involves accessibility, availability, and nutritional quality.

  • Increasing hunger rates, malnutrition, including obesity, are linked to food distribution and consumption practices.

  • Climate change and environmental challenges affect agricultural productivity, leading to potential food shortages.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • 17 Goals adopted by 193 countries aimed at promoting inclusive, sustainable development by 2030.

  • SDG 2: Focus on ending hunger and improving nutrition through sustainable agriculture practices.

Food System Complexity

  • The food system involves various factors affecting food from production to consumption.

  • Consumers must ask critical questions about the origin, transportation, processing, and pricing of their food with sustainability in mind.

Strategies to Combat Food Waste

  • Personal Actions: Reduce consumption of meat and dairy, cook from scratch, store food properly, engage in meal planning.

  • Community Actions: Organize local food initiatives, promote farmer's markets, and food sharing platforms like Composter and OLIO.

Policies and Actions in Ireland

  • Irish agricultural policies have evolved to enhance productivity and sustainability.

  • EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Focus on productivity, living standards for farmers, market stability, and consumer supply.

  • Initiatives to track and reduce food waste in retail, hospitality, and supply chain.

Practical Steps for Households

  • Awareness: Understand what's wasted and why.

  • Planning: Create meal plans and shopping lists to prevent over-purchasing.

  • Storage: Learn proper food storage to extend shelf life and reduce waste.

  • Cooking & Serving: Adjust portion sizes and utilize leftovers creatively.

Conclusion:

  • Food waste is a significant issue requiring effort from individuals and communities to create a sustainable food future. Every little change counts!