The day, designated by the United Nations, highlights a pressing issue: globally, an estimated one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted.
That’s not just a tragic waste of resources – it has serious environmental, social, and economic consequences.
But the day isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action. Here’s how you can observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste – and, more importantly, keep that momentum going all year long.
Why It Matters
Food waste doesn’t just hurt our wallets – it also fuels climate change. When food is thrown away, the energy, water, and labour that went into producing it are wasted too.
In landfill, food waste breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, millions around the world still face food insecurity. Tackling food loss and waste is a way of addressing these challenges together.
Ways to Mark the Day
1. Take Stock of Your Kitchen
On 29 September, start with a simple action: open your pantry, fridge, freezer, and cupboards. Identify items close to their use-by dates and plan meals around them. It’s a practical way to honour the day and prevent food from going in the bin.
2. Host a “Waste-Free” Meal
Invite family or friends for a meal made entirely from what you already have at home. It sparks conversation about reducing waste while also proving that creative cooking can be fun (and delicious).
3. Share the Message
Use your voice on social media to share tips, recipes, and facts about food waste. The more people know, the more likely they are to change their habits.
4. Support Local Food Projects
Many UK communities run food banks, community fridges, or redistribution projects. Donating surplus food or volunteering your time can make an immediate impact.
Keeping the Effort Year-Round
Awareness days are a great spark, but the real change comes from building new habits. Here are some year-round practices:
Plan Your Meals: Writing a weekly meal plan reduces impulse purchases and ensures you only buy what you’ll use.
Understand Labels: Learn the difference between “use by” (safety) and “best before” (quality). Many foods are perfectly fine past their best before date.
Store Food Smartly: Keep bread in the freezer, revive wilted veg in water, and store apples away from bananas to prevent early ripening.
Love Leftovers: Repurpose last night’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch. Soup, stir-fries, and frittatas are great for using up odds and ends.
Compost: If something really can’t be eaten, composting keeps it out of landfill and nourishes the soil.
Champion Businesses Fighting Waste: Support cafés and restaurants that donate surplus or apps like Too Good To Go, which help reduce waste at the retail level.
Final Food Waste Thoughts
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is a valuable reminder – but the goal is to turn awareness into lasting action. By making small changes at home and supporting wider initiatives, each of us can play a part in reducing waste, saving money, and protecting the planet.
This 29 September, take one step. Then keep stepping, all year long.
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