Did you know a third of food produced globally is wasted?
Food waste is one of the most urgent challenges our planet faces today. As awareness grows, more eye-opening facts highlight the need for effective solutions. Here are ten surprising food waste facts everyone should know:
Top 10 Food Waste Facts You Need to Know in 2024:
1. 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally each year
The staggering amount of food wasted could feed approximately 3 billion people. To put this in perspective, that’s nearly enough food to nourish the entire global population, emphasizing a shocking contrast between abundance and hunger.
2. In the UK, up to 40% of food never gets eaten
A large portion of our food supply is being discarded instead of consumed. Instead of ending up in landfills, much of this food could be redirected to those in need, providing essential nutrition and support to communities experiencing food insecurity.
3. Households are responsible for over 60% of food waste
This also shows that we all have the power to make a difference at home. By becoming more mindful of our food purchases, meal planning, and proper storage, we can dramatically cut down on food waste while improving our sustainability practices.
4. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases
The environmental impact of food waste is equally alarming. Reducing food waste can significantly lower our overall carbon footprint, helping combat climate change and its devastating effects.
5. One-third of all fruits and vegetables never make it to store shelves
Many food items are wasted simply because they don’t meet strict cosmetic standards, which focus on appearance rather than taste or nutritional value. This waste isn’t just about discarded food—it also represents wasted resources like labor, transportation, and water that went into producing these fruits and vegetables.
6. Food waste costs the UK around £19 billion every year
This immense financial loss impacts not only families and businesses but the entire economy. It reflects the cost of producing food and the significant resources, such as energy and water, that are wasted along with it, creating a costly cycle of waste for everyone involved.
7. Expired labels confuse consumers
Furthermore, many individuals mistakenly discard perfectly edible food due to misconceptions around “best before” and “use by” dates. By educating ourselves about these labels, we can reduce unnecessary waste and begin assessing food quality based on smell and appearance rather than relying solely on dates.
8. Uneaten food accounts for 25% of all fresh water used globally
Additionally, the environmental toll of food waste is staggering, especially in terms of water consumption. Reducing food waste helps conserve significant amounts of fresh water, which is critical for both human consumption and maintaining healthy ecosystems worldwide.
9. Bread is the most wasted food item in the UK.
Each day, more than 20 million slices of bread are thrown away, showcasing how easily staple items contribute to food waste, often due to poor planning or improper storage. By repurposing stale bread or freezing it, we can significantly cut down on this waste.
10. Redistribution organizations, like City Harvest, make a substantial difference
On a brighter note, community-driven initiatives rescue enough food to provide over 1.5 million meals every month. These efforts show the powerful impact of redistributing surplus food, ensuring that it feeds people instead of ending up in landfills. This not only supports hunger relief but also promotes waste reduction and a more sustainable food system.
You CAN make a difference!
Reducing food waste is essential not only for protecting our planet but also for addressing hunger in our communities. You can actively contribute to this movement by supporting food rescue organizations and being more intentional about reducing waste in your own home. Additionally, take a look at how food waste impacts the environment and how City Harvest is tackling this issue head-on here!
Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives, and let’s continue working together to create a more sustainable future—one meal at a time!
City Harvest Rescues the Planet
City Harvest’s food rescue mission helps to prevent needless GHG emissions from food waste in landfill. Learn more about how our planet-friendly operation, and how you can help!
