Food waste is a major issue globally, where millions of tons
of food fit for consumption are discarded by consumers and retailers in
industrialized nations. Ironically, this wastage is happening while over
20,000 children under the age of 5 die daily from hunger and one in every
seven people in the world go to bed hungry. In Malaysia, up to 8,000 tons or
8 million kilograms of food are wasted each day, which could easily feed 6
million people.
Wastage of food also wastes other crucial resources such as energy and water
used in food production and cooking, which could have been used more
effectively to feed the hungry and support sustainable food production.
Environmentally, food waste leads to more rotting food, creating more
methane, which is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases contributing to
climate change.
To reduce food waste, Malaysians need to adopt and practice the theme of
"Think. Eat. Save," which encourages individuals to become more aware of the
environmental impact of their food choices and to make informed decisions.
The theme highlights that food wastage affects not only the environment but
also our wallets, as we are essentially throwing away money spent on
purchasing the food.
We must start from the home, where we should only eat what we can finish and
avoid over-ordering food in restaurants. Parents should also teach their
children about the negative impacts of food wastage and support a more
sustainable lifestyle. The school system can also play a role in raising
awareness and educating students on the issue of food wastage.
Making informed decisions means choosing foods that have less environmental
impact, such as buying organic produce and supporting local markets. It is
also essential to avoid over-ordering and buying too much food in the first
place. Many countries are taking this issue seriously and imposing fines on
people who waste food, which can serve as a deterrent.
In conclusion, reducing food waste is our collective responsibility as
individuals, families, and communities. We should all play our part by
becoming more conscious of our food choices and making informed decisions.
We can help to reduce food waste, save money, minimize the environmental
impact of food production, and force food production processes to become
more efficient. Let's work together to create a safer and more sustainable
world. |