How you can reduce your food waste

Food waste is nothing new, and each of us has probably been guilty of throwing away a few scraps every now and then. Yet, the downsides of throwing out food add up in the long run. There are adverse effects on not only our mental health but also the environment. Although there are many reasons why it is important to finish everything on our plate, modern lifestyles in developed countries such as Japan or Germany may make us somewhat blind to the downsides of tossing edible food in the trash. However, this does not mean there are no solutions to solving this issue.

Food waste as a global phenomenon

According to FAO, food waste refers to the discarding or the alternative use of food meant for human consumption. Many also tie this issue to the world’s march toward globalization. Furthermore, the majority of waste in developed countries originate from the retail and consumption stages.
Supermarkets and restaurants stock up excess food to satisfy consumer choice. It eventually leads to an overabundance in goods and consumables found at stores.

Food waste happens in almost every country and is practically unavoidable in our modern society. Germany produces an annual amount of 55 kgs of food waste per person, while Japan is responsible for an annual amount of approximately 6.43 million tons of the same. Globally, 1.3 tonnes of edible food is left to waste every passing year.

Moreover, food waste has a negative environmental impact. This is due to the many resources needed to bring food from a farm to a family’s dinner table. Water, for example, is something on which all living organisms depend. Around 70% is used for agriculture, which includes crop irrigation and feeding livestock.

It is now more important than ever to ask what we can do to limit food waste each year.

Using apps as a solution to food waste

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to adapt it to our lifestyle as much as possible. It is no secret that many in the industrialized worlds have become accustomed to using apps in our daily lives. Fortunately, the digital world is also helping to forge a path to eliminating food waste.

For residents living in Japan, you’re in luck. Over the past several years, several apps related to eliminating food waste have popped up and are ready for download. One app that has grown in popularity is TABETE. TABETE is doing its best to provide food to users that would otherwise be thrown out. Food-related businesses in Japan discarded around 2.84 million tons of food, so it’s no wonder restaurant businesses turn to food waste apps like TABETE to cut down on edible waste. Furthermore, TABETE was designed as a platform for individuals seeking a more sustainable mode of living. Although the app works primarily with restaurants and stores in Tokyo, it is gradually expanding to other metropolitan areas across the country.

You are what you (don’t) eat

We have the unfortunate habit of letting food go to waste in our own homes. It might not come as a surprise that a good portion of the products we keep in our fridges go uneaten and spoil.

This problem, although not uncommon, is easily avoidable. As a consequence of an overabundance in foodstuffs at a local supermarket, it’s easy to make purchase edible pleasantries only to let them rot away in your home. A massive push needs to be taken for consumers to only purchase what they know they will eat. One way of doing this is to keep a log of the food being thrown out, why, and its initial cost. Although easier said than done, it will cut down on food waste while also providing a little extra cash in your wallet each month.

Donations Donations Donations

Food banks are on the rise internationally, including Japan. These are growing through popularity and our growing awareness of the vast amounts of food heading for a landfill. Consumers in Japan have an amazing option in the form of Second Harvest.

Second Harvest handles food that has been received from retailers, manufacturers, farmers and individuals. This food is then sent out and given to welfare agencies and orphanages around the country. Second Harvest gives you one way to donate, but of course there are many ways one may cut down on food and help their community.

These are only a few ways to combat food waste

Food waste, which negatively impacts the environment and lower-income families, can be transformed into something positive by taking advantage of surplus food that is still edible. Whether downloading a useful app or giving to charity, we will always take a step in the right direction if we all do our best. P.S. Make sure to finish the food on your plate or take it home!

Further information on how you can help cut down on food waste

Food Passport – An app that allows consumers to enjoy quality meals made with surplus food for only 980 yen per month.

Reduce Go – A service matching customers with restaurants that would like to reduce food waste at a reasonable price.

Food Bank Kansai – Located in the Kansai region, Food Bank Kansai is partnered with approximately 40 companies so as to help bring fresh surplus food to many different households throughout the Region and the rest of Japan.