Goal #ZeroHunger, to zero hunger, including by reducing food waste. To end hunger by 2030 (a challenge shared by 193 countries under the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) we can do our part. FAO provides 9 practical tips that are easy to implement simply by changing a few habits.
One-third of food goes to waste
Every year, about one-third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted.
In developing countries, the largest share (40 percent) is lost during harvesting or processing.
In developed countries, the same percentage (40 percent) of waste occurs in the consumption stages. It is that food bought without criteria that we fail to consume and throw away. But also what we leave on our plates at restaurants or bars (as well as surplus preparations by restaurateurs).
Habits that we can effortlessly change. Beginning to reflect, and to remember that food waste is also waste of labor, money, and valuable resources (such as seeds, water, feed, etc.). And it results in unnecessary increases in greenhouse gas emissions, with consequences for climate change.
The 9 virtuous behaviors of a #ZeroHunger hero
Here are the FAO’s 9 tips that can turn us into a virtuoso of the #ZeroHunger goal.
Start small
. Take small portions of food to eat at home and share large dishes at the restaurant.
Leave nothing behind
. Leave nothing behind and save your leftovers for another meal or use them to make a different dish.
Buy only what you need
. Buy only what you need. When you go grocery shopping, organize with a list, without buying anything else.
Don’t be prejudiced
. Do not be prejudiced and buy “ugly” or irregular fruits and vegetables that are just as good as perfect-looking ones.
Check your refrigerator
. Check the refrigerator and store foods at a temperature no higher than 5 degrees to keep them fresh and make them last a long time.- First in, first out. Previously purchased products should be moved to the front of the pantry or refrigerator. This avoids the risk of letting good food expire.
Understand dates
. Remember the meaning of the consumption dates indicated on foods. “Best before” is the expiration date, and it pertains to safety. “Best eaten by”, on the other hand, indicates that the organoleptic quality of the food (aroma, flavor, fragrance) may decline after that date, but with no effect on the safety of the food.
Compost
. Those with space may consider recovering unavoidable food waste (such as vegetable scraps) by creating a compost bin.
Donate the surplus
. Donate surpluses. To share is to care.
“Solidarity is the only way to save the human species” (Dario Dongo).
