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FoodWaste

Food Waste

Food loss refers to "edible food that is thrown away" (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). In the process of food production and agriculture, various resources like water and raw materials are utilized. Discarding food not only wastes these resources and money but also poses a significant environmental burden. Valuing food not only makes economic sense but also helps in environmental preservation. Would you like to join us in combat ing food loss to restore "security" and "abundance" to our lives?

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The Reality of
Food Loss and Waste

Food loss often gets overlooked in discussions about climate change, but according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations), the carbon dioxide emissions associated with food loss make up 8-10% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. That's more than the entire aviation sector! If food loss were a single country, it would rank as the fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, just after China, the United States, and the European Union. Reducing food loss and waste is one of the most impactful ways to address climate change.

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Reducing Food Loss
and Waste :
Strategies and Solutions

According to the FAO's "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022", although the world produces enough food for everyone, 820 million people, or 1 in 10, suffer from hunger, an d 3.1 billion people lack access to nutritious meals. In our country, Japan, efforts to reduce food loss and waste are encouraged through laws like the Food Recycling Law (2000) and the Food Loss Reduction Promotion Law (2019), which promote actions by businesses, governments, and consumers. So, what should we think about and do in our daily lives? I hope to offer some insights into such opportunities.

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What is the difference between

Both "food rescue" and "food bank" aim to provide food to those in need, but they differ in their methods and purposes. Food rescue typically deals with food that is nearing its expiration date or surplus food, with the goal of quickly collecting and distributing these items. The focus is on preventing food waste and providing food that can be immediately consumed. On the other hand, food banks emphasize long-term storage of donated food, distributing it as needed. Food banks work in collaboration with nonprofit organizations and community centers to ensure a stable supply and provide ongoing support. In essence, food rescue prioritizes immediate action to reduce food waste, while food banks focus on providing a systematic approach to long-term assistance. Both play complementary roles and, by working together, they effectively support those in need with essential food resources.

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