Leveraging circular economy to tackle food loss and waste

Leveraging Circular Economy to Tackle Food Loss and Waste

Author: Dian Yuanita Wulandari (The Jakarta Post)

PUBLICATION DATE: Sat, October 7, 2023

Every year on Sept. 29, the world commemorates the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The day always serves as a poignant reminder of the alarming paradox of our times: while millions go to bed hungry every night, one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted.

Many have suggested that food loss and waste is not only a moral dilemma but also a grave environmental issue, given the carbon footprint of the emissions produced by lost or wasted food. A study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows that global food loss and waste contribute up to 10 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the planet.

Food loss and waste also have economic implications, as it represents lost income for farmers and businesses along the food supply chain. The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has revealed that food loss and waste in Indonesia alone costs around IDR 250 trillion ($17.2 billion) annually.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 2: Zero Hunger – Addressing food loss and waste is crucial in achieving the goal of ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food for all.
2. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Reducing food loss and waste is an important aspect of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
3. Goal 13: Climate Action – By minimizing food loss and waste, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
4. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, and civil society are essential in tackling food loss and waste effectively.

To address the issue of food loss and waste, it is crucial to adopt a circular economy approach. A circular economy aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency by promoting the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials. This approach can be applied to the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption.

Here are some strategies that can be implemented to leverage the circular economy in tackling food loss and waste:

• Implementing better storage and transportation systems to prevent spoilage and damage during the distribution process.
• Promoting sustainable farming practices that minimize post-harvest losses.
• Encouraging consumers to reduce food waste through education and awareness campaigns.
• Supporting the development of innovative technologies for food preservation and waste management.

By adopting a circular economy approach and implementing these strategies, we can make significant progress in reducing food loss and waste, achieving the SDGs, and creating a more sustainable future for all.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • SDG 13: Climate Action

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

   • SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
   • SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

   • Percentage of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributed by global food loss and waste.
   • Amount of food loss and waste in Indonesia.
   • Economic implications of food loss and waste on farmers and businesses along the food supply chain.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: thejakartapost.com

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