AS the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste today, it is faced with a shameful truth: over a billion meals were discarded daily by households in 2022. This is equal to 1.3 meals a day for everyone in the world impacted by hunger. While that sinks in, the UNEP’s latest Food Waste Index Report also says that this wastage is a “very conservative” assessment. The problem is not just a moral dilemma but also an environmental catastrophe. Food loss and waste accounts for 8-10pc of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, nearly five times greater than the combined emissions from the aviation industry. While families throw away 60pc of food, restaurants, retailers, and food services discard substantial portions often due to overstocking, misjudged portion sizes, or adherence to arbitrary expiration dates. In developing nations, transportation losses and lack of refrigeration exacerbate the issue, underscoring that food wastage is a “global tragedy”, as put by the UN. In Pakistan, the issue of food wastage is acutely felt. Despite the cultural significance of letting not a grain go to waste, significant quantities of food are squandered daily. Lavish wedding receptions and similar events often lead to staggering amounts of wasted food, while eateries contribute to the problem with discarded meals filling bins.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. Countries like Japan and the UK have shown considerable reductions in food wastage through targeted policies and public-private partnerships. By fostering collaboration, from producers to retailers to consumers, we can stem the tide of waste and redirect surplus food to those in need. Let us heed the UNEP call for action. Governments must prioritise food waste reduction in national agendas, integrating it into climate plans and policy frameworks. Businesses must reassess their practices, recognising the true cost of waste to both their bottom line and the planet. And as individuals, we must embrace mindful consumption and minimise waste at every opportunity.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2024