South Africa faces a serious food waste crisis, even as millions struggle with hunger. This article highlights the staggering amount of food wasted annually, its environmental and social implications, and calls for responsible consumption during the festive season.
South Africa wastes around 10 million tonnes of food annually, with 500,000 tonnes coming from what is known as consumption waste—food discarded at the consumer level. This is food that could feed over seven million people every year. In a country where over 27% of households experience food insecurity, this level of waste is not just unsustainable, it’s deeply unjust.
Food wasteWhen food rots in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. This contributes to climate change, which in turn worsens global food security by disrupting agriculture. Beyond that, food production uses enormous amounts of resources: water, land, and energy. When food is wasted, these resources are also wasted, placing additional strain on our planet. Nicolle de Bruyn, Executive Officer of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa. Picture: Supplied Nicolle de Bruyn, Executive Officer of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), stresses: “We have a responsibility to our planet, our fellow South Africans, and our children, to buy, eat, and dispose of waste more responsibly. A good place to start is this December break.”66% of fruits and vegetablesFruits, vegetables and tubers, which are vital sources of nutrition, make up the largest portion of food wast
FOOD WASTE SOUTH AFRICA CLIMATE CHANGE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOOD SECURITY
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