Food waste contributes significantly to global waste figures, and many people rightly see this as a problem. Given the value that we place on food, it is sad that so much of it should go to waste.
At Evoro, we see food waste as any other waste type. With this in my we can apply our waste management best practices in order to find more sustainable ways of dealing with food waste.
This blog provides 9 food waste management tips that can be used by both businesses and households. It focuses on giving people the tools to be more mindful about their food waste habits.
Data on Wasted Food
Australia’s food waste statistics highlight how many million tonnes of food are wasted each year. Most food waste stems from overproduction at the initial stage, and this is important when it comes to general waste management.
A core tenet of waste management is addressing waste beyond the disposal phase, and food waste is no different.
Realistically, ending food waste is not possible, just as ending every type of waste is not possible. However it is important to lessen these figures through waste management means. If anything, the data shows the importance of waste management companies.
9 Food Waste Management Methods
Food waste management methods tackle food waste and other food waste challenges through various methods. Here are 9 effective food waste management methods.
- Compost
- Food waste dewatering
- Plan your meals
- And freeze leftovers
- Animal feed
- Donate
- Recycle
- Use leftovers
- Share
Compost
Composting is a great way for households and small businesses to make a difference in food waste figures. It requires very little to begin with but can go a long way in ensuring a more sustainable food ecosystem.
Food waste dewatering
Food decomposes in watery environments, so a great way to manage food waste is to remove the water from the food. This slows down the decomposition process and aids in making the waste product more manageable.
Plan your meals
Meal planning has the benefit of lessening the amount of food waste that is produced during the process. It is helpful not only in reducing the costs associated with buying food, but also in the total waste produced during the process.
Freeze leftovers
Reducing food waste starts at home with a commitment to decrease food production and consumption. Freezing uneaten food is an excellent first step. Any food that goes uneaten can be preserved in the freezer and easily reheated later.
Animal feed
Discarded food ends make great animal food and help to reduce food loss and waste. How much food depends on the animal in question, but most household pets would love to play their part in fighting food waste.
Donate
Donating food assists in minimising waste while providing for those in need. Numerous grocery stores, food banks, and municipalities have programs in place to facilitate feeding the hungry. By donating food, we can help diminish waste by both prevention and recovery efforts.
Recycle
Recycling and food waste reduction initiatives go hand-in-hand. This is because they form part of larger waste management initiatives aimed at reducing the effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a practice encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Use leftovers creatively
Human consumption levels require high food supply levels. This helps to create large amounts of food waste due to so much food being in demand. But a great way to prevent wasted food is to use leftovers creatively and to save nutritious food.
Share
Sharing food with the people around you is a great way to reduce the large food waste figures in Australia. Additionally, sharing a meal with someone remains a great way for humans to connect with each other easily.
Food Waste Ethics
A reason why people are so serious about food waste often has to do with the major shortage of food across the globe and even within Australia. It is a saddening problem, and food waste just makes it worse.
One of the main contributors to food waste is overconsumption. In simple terms, the food produced by the industry surpasses the demand that is actually needed.
Additionally, global forces play a role. Alongside an overconsumption of food is a widening shortage of land and materials capable of producing food. This is something that needs to be addressed, and the small efficiency of food waste management plays a role.
Types of Food Waste
The different types of food waste depend not just on the food being discarded but also due to its potential to become hazardous or harmful to human health and the environment. Common examples of the need to know this include separating meat waste from green leafy waste.
It is important that the potential risks of working with waste are not forgotten just because food is involved. While it might look safe, it can still cause harm, especially if its disposal methods are incorrect.
Reducing Food Waste
The various goals of reducing wasted food and food waste stem from a need to address the food supply chain. The massive amount of surplus food indicates that there is plenty of food to go about.
Contrary to what might be thought, unavoidable food waste does not account for the total amount. Halving food waste is entirely feasible through prudent retail and consumer levels restrictions.
Ethical Food Waste Management
Ethical food waste management is just one example of how waste management connects with numerous parts of human consumption. In order to lessen global greenhouse gas emissions, such practices are needed.
Closing thoughts
Nobody wants a situation where food is going to waste. Businesses, in particular those working in the culinary industry, do not want to be known for their wasteful production.
It’s important for business owners to audit their food waste systems in order to build more effective and ethical streams to manage their waste.
Companies like Evoro can help with this. Their years of experience make them the perfect partner for companies wanting to develop more ethically-minded waste management practices.
