As we return to work and face the year ahead, we also return to more sensible eating and drinking patterns after the excesses of the festive season.
You may, in the aftermath of this annual binge-fest, feel you consumed far more than was good for your girth and your health. But you might also consider how much food was scraped into the bin or had to be thrown out after decomposing in the fridge.
The economics of food waste show that governments, private business and consumers could be doing more to reduce inefficiencies in the food supply chain and ensure that surpluses get to those in need. From a consumer point of view, reducing food waste may not only help in keeping your household spending under control, but also afford you the satisfaction that you are, in some small way, helping the poor and positively impacting the environment.
Sobering statistics
According to a report by StatsSA in November 2023, the United Nations estimates that 1.6 billion tonnes of food is wasted across the world each year, of which 1.3 billion tonnes is edible. An astonishing 30% of food produced globally goes to waste: about 13% is lost between harvest and retail, while an estimated 17% is wasted in households, food services and retail combined.
In South Africa, of the 31 million tonnes of food produced annually, 10 million tonnes (32%) goes to waste. This is in a country where 17.5% of people experience severe food insecurity and another 26.7% moderate food insecurity, according to a Human Sciences Research Council survey carried out from 2021 to 2023.
What government, civil society and business are doing
In line with South Africa’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, initiatives at government level to reduce food waste include:
- The voluntary Food Loss and Waste Agreement, launched in 2020 by the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa to reduce waste by food manufacturers and retailers;
- Draft national standards for organic waste composting; and
- Amendments to legislation clarifying that food past its “best before” date that is still fit for human consumption may be donated and that organisations donating such food should not be subject to civil or criminal liability.
FoodForward SA is a non-profit organisation that recovers edible surplus food from the consumer goods supply chain and distributes it to the hungry via a network of 2 500 beneficiary organisations across South Africa. It is at the forefront in promoting the reforms referred to above.
What you can do
“We have a responsibility to our planet, our fellow South Africans, and our children, to buy, eat, and dispose of waste more responsibly,” says Nicolle de Bruyn, executive officer of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa. She offers the following suggestions:
- Shop smart: plan your shopping and avoid impulse buying. Purchase smaller quantities of perishable items, and consider buying in bulk only non-perishable goods that you can store properly. Buy in-season fruit and vegetables and support local farmers and markets.
- Plan your meals: “Planning meals in advance is crucial to avoid over-purchasing and eventually throwing away more spoiled food than necessary,” De Bruyn says. Meal portions should be moderate – this not only reduces waste but also promotes healthy eating habits.
- Compost organic waste: by setting up a compost bin, households can convert organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for gardens. “This reduces waste sent to landfills and supports sustainable gardening practices,” De Bruyn says.
