Rudolph Peter |
A commonly heard fact is, “Nearly a third of the world’s produced food goes to waste” (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2020). This statement often does not produce the impact it intends especially on those who can afford three square meals a day. It is possible that this problem is not taken as seriously as it should in developed nations because the general population don’t believe it affects them but only causes worries in poverty and hunger stricken nations. This article intends to shed light on all the negative impacts of food waste and not only hunger.
The agriculture and food chain has become long and complex. Gone are the days where one bought milk from his neighbours and vegetables grown down the road. The chain now includes farmers, processors, distributors, wholesalers, purchasing companies, supermarket chains, retailers and consumers. All of them working together in harmony so that one can enjoy an avocado on toast all year round from most places in the world. This brings up the first set of problems. The increased complexity of the supply chain results in higher costs for consumers and depending on the product the consumer could pay anywhere from 30%-300% higher than the farmer’s cost (Oxfamnovib.nl, 2020). Not eating fruit and vegetables seasonally and produced locally means that they have to be transported from places usually not so close and this causes adverse environmental impacts. The processing, transport, storage, preserving and packaging of the food plays a major role in making the agriculture industry one of the worst in global GHG emissions. The European Union is the largest importer of bananas, with the majority from Latin America. From 2001 to 2014 the prices of bananas have reduced by 20% in the EU and this has come at severe social costs such as denial of basic human rights, gender discrimination, failure to pay wages just to name a few (Oxfamnovib.nl, 2020).
Currently enough food is being produced to feed 10 billion people while only 7 billion are able to feed themselves (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2020), what does that mean for our ecosystems? Vast amounts of freshwater and land surfaces are needed for crop and meat production which leads to water scarcities and deforestation. Agriculture is the cause of 75% of the global deforestation (Altieri, 1998). When meat goes to waste, this effect is amplified as 50% of the crop produced goes as feed to livestock (Rabobank.com, 2020). The current production of crops is 90% monoculture which means continuous inputs of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and insecticides is needed which leaches into surrounding lands and water bodies and contaminates them. The seafood industry has caused 70% of the fish species to be fully depleted or endangered and not to forget the large carbon footprint caused by wild fish capture (Rabobank.com, 2020). Studies also show that the extensive use of chemicals in agriculture cause adverse effects in human health.
There does appear to be hope to change the consumers mentality. In the European Union consumer spending on sustainable food has shown steady growth. This has been attributed to sustainable products being marketed as more premium product. While this is a fair start, the problem is far from being solved by buying a few 8 euro raw vegan smoothies each week. A few easy changes that everyone can make are to make more careful meal plans and shop accordingly. Rather than buying in bulk and letting the fruit and vegetables rot, more frequent visits to the market can be made to buy as much as required and by doing so refrigeration requirements are also reduced. If eating meat try and use all parts of the animal and not only certain cuts. For example instead of buying just chicken breasts, buy the whole bird. It is more economical, has more utility and once the flesh is consumed the bones can be saved to make delicious stocks and soups. A good example of this no-waste mentality are the people in the Finnish Lapland’s who use the entire reindeer from head to tail, skin and horns included. Lastly, everyone should educate themselves about their native produce. By understanding what grows in one’s own region and when it grows, active efforts can be made to eat according to that. This shift in consumer pattern will reflect onto the supply chain triggering shorter supply chains. The supply will transition from a global system to regional systems. This will in turn reduce waste, GHG emissions, food costs and also strengthen the regional economy. As Neil Armstrong said, “One small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind”.
About the author:
Rudolph Peter
Sustainable Energy Technology Student
Rudolph's views on solving the climate crisis are often from a cynical mindset and he enjoys applying hints of satire in his writing. Being a foodie, sustainability in food and agriculture industries are his favorite topics.
References:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). Key facts on food loss and waste you should know!. [online] Available at: http://www.fao.org/save-food/resources/keyfindings/en/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2020].
Altieri, M. (1998). Ecological Impacts of Industrial Agriculture and the Possibilities for Truly Sustainable Farming. Monthly Review, 50(3), p.60.
Rabobank.com. (2020). [online] Available at: https://www.rabobank.com/nl/images/ce-rabobank-agrifood-circle-scan.pdf [Accessed 19 Feb. 2020].
Oxfamnovib.nl. (2020). [online] Available at: https://www.oxfamnovib.nl/Files/rapporten/2018/20180621%20Oxfam%20Behind%20the%20Barcodes_Dutch%20supermarket%20supply%20chains.pdf [Accessed 19 Feb. 2020].