Temperatures continue to rise and 2023 promises to be the hottest year on record. Now is not the time to ask “whether” the melting of glaciers will occur, but “when” and to contain the increase in the average global temperature below 2 degrees, concrete actions must be taken for the community, starting from reducing food waste, one of the main causes of global warming. And if we think that the problem doesn’t really concern us all, just look at some numbers. According to WWF, 75 grams of food is thrown away every day in Italy, more than half a kilo per week, just over 27 kilograms per person per year. Globally, the estimates are even more alarming as a third of the food produced ends up being lost or wasted. It is estimated that around 88 million tons of food is wasted every year in Europe alone.

In all food systems, some loss is inevitable, but the current production model is unsustainable and unfair, not only because millions of animals are raised each year in desperate overpopulation conditions, but also because of the subsequent climate impact. in terms of land use and water use. According to estimates provided by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in a special report for 2021, food waste accounts for 8 to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

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Waste is responsible for 86 million tons of carbon dioxide in Europe. “This is about 15% of the impact of the entire food chain,” the report says, highlighting how this phenomenon affects not only the environment and the economy, but also exacerbates social inequalities. “While an increasing number of people are getting sick due to lack of adequate nutrition, the world is producing more than enough: just think that what is thrown away or lost in the supply chain would be enough to feed the millions of people who are suffering. from hunger. “.

How to avoid garbage in the kitchen?

In our country, the foods we waste the most are fruits, salads, breads, vegetables, and tubers. One of the main reasons may be due to heavy weekly spending when we buy a large amount of fresh and packaged food, which we then forget that we bought until we find it spoiled or expired in some drawer of the refrigerator. That’s when some practical tips to reduce waste. Above all, always plan your purchases with a written list. This will help you not forget anything and realize the actual amount of food. Once in the store, always check the expiration date, remembering that “best before” is different from “best before”, and never buy spoiled products. Another principle recommendation: do not forget about perishable food from the refrigerator. Milk, meat, fish, mayonnaise, cheese, yoghurt must be placed in the refrigerator for a maximum of one hour after purchase and a maximum of two hours after preparation.

Another great tip would be to adjust the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer: for the first, the ideal temperature is between +4° to +5°C, for the second – from -18°/-20°C. For the best preservation of food, be sure to place each product on the appropriate shelf, remembering that those closest to the right edge are the coldest. Make sure each item has its own food packaging, and don’t forget to rotate foods by bringing old foods forward and bringing in fresher ones. That way you make sure you don’t miss anything. Finally, when preparing, calculate the doses and servings well. And remember not to throw away leftovers that can be used the next day after they have been thoroughly heated. This way you avoid unnecessary waste, save on household expenses and help the planet.