Food waste and its impact on the planet

One of the least heard topics worldwide is that of wasted food. However, this topic has gained ground in the global conversation thanks to the fact that the figures increase every year, as well as its consequences, which has made it a key aspect to achieve sustainable development goals.

In addition, it has become an industry of interest for investors seeking to diversify their portfolio in a socially responsible manner. For this reason, we will point out What is food waste? How does it affect the planet? And, most importantly, how can you help reduce it?

Food waste or loss

There are two branches that emerge from the “Food waste“. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food loss as “the decrease in the quantity or quality of food as a result of the decisions and actions of suppliers in the food chain, excluding retailers, food service providers and consumers.”

In the case of food waste, the FAO explains that “food waste refers to the decrease in the quantity or quality of food as a result of the decisions and actions of retailers, food service providers and consumers”

Both ramifications are important issues to address in order to achieve one of the sustainable development goals expressed in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which highlights that by 2030, it is expected to reduce both types of food waste per capita worldwide.

However, the current outlook is not promising in terms of this goal, since it is estimated that by 2030 the current figures will increase.

Environmental impact generated by food waste

According to the report “State of Food and Agriculture 2019” (SOFA) carried out by the FAO, it is estimated that one third of the food in the world is lost or wasted each year and this figure has become a real problem.

Our World In Data states that around 6% of global emissions come from food waste and loss, which has a strong environmental impact that should receive more attention.

Reasons why food is wasted

The reason for this trend has many answers. Among them, the remains of food left in restaurants, processes in agriculture, food standards and consumer preferences.

In addition, the misunderstanding of expiration dates and climatic changes that can have a high impact on large crops.

Faced with a problem of such magnitude, what can the common citizen do?

Get involved in a worthy cause

There are many ways in which ordinary citizens can get involved in the noble and necessary cause of reducing food waste. Among them, we can highlight the investment in those companies dedicated to dealing with Food waste, or getting involved in organizations that seek to raise awareness regarding this issue.

Investing with purpose is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to invest…