In a hectic everyday life, it's easy to end up wasting food. At the same time, food waste is one of the major climate challenges in our food system. A new report from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, commissioned by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, shows which measures make a difference.
Researchers have analysed ten Swedish initiatives, ranging from information campaigns to smarter logistics in the food supply chain. The results show that education, better planning, and more efficient ordering routines can reduce both waste and costs. Furthermore, measures that utilise residual products for things like animal feed or new foodstuffs can yield clear climate benefits. However, the change doesn't just start with producers and retailers: it also begins in our kitchens. A large proportion of food waste occurs in households when we buy more than we can eat or forget what's in the fridge.
– It's possible to reduce food waste – if we continue to follow up, collaborate and scale up what works. No single measure will solve the food waste challenge on its own, but together they make a difference, says Maria Ahlm, senior project manager and food waste expert at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. The good news is that small changes in everyday life can make a big difference, both for the climate and your wallet. When more people make small changes in their everyday lives, the effect can be significant – for both health and the planet.
6 TIPS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE
• Plan your week's meals, only buy what you need.
Trust your senses, many foods last longer than the “best before” date.
• Freeze leftovers for quick and nutritious lunches.
Store food correctly; different temperature zones in your fridge make a difference.
• Cook meals from leftovers, soups, omelettes and stews.
Have an “eat-soon” box in the fridge, where food that needs to be eaten first is stored.
