Feast responsibly this festive season to avoid noxious food waste

Fighting food waste. Picture: Supplied

Fighting food waste. Picture: Supplied

Published Dec 19, 2024

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By Nicolle de Bruyn

As South Africans prepare for their traditional end-of-year festivities – from family braais to elaborate Christmas spreads – an uncomfortable truth lurks behind our celebrations. In a country where millions of people experience hunger, our holiday food waste remains disturbingly high.

Statistics by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF) indicate that roughly 10 million tonnes of food is wasted annually, 500 000 tons of which come from consumption waste. This is food that could otherwise feed over seven million people per year – particularly significant in a developing country like South Africa, which is faced with widespread poverty, hunger, and food insecurity.

The environmental toll of food waste is substantial. When food decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas around 28 times more effective than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. This contributes significantly to climate change, accelerating global warming and its associated impacts.

Moreover, food waste leads to the unnecessary use of vital water, land, and energy resources as the agricultural sector strives to keep pace with food demand. We have a responsibility to our planet, our fellow South Africans, and our children, to buy, eat, and dispose of waste more responsibly, which is why we should take certain steps to mitigate food waste. A good place to start is this December break.

Reducing food waste this holiday season

The figures behind food waste in sub-Saharan Africa are staggering. DEFF has revealed that roughly 20.5% of cereal, 54% of roots and tubers, 31% of oil seeds and pulses, 66% of fruits and vegetables, 29.7% of meat, 37.7% of fish and seafood, and 27.2% of milk products are wasted in the region.

De Bruyn provides five simple methods to reduce food waste during the holidays, and help bring down these numbers:

Smart shopping practices

Avoid impulsive buying this holiday season, especially for big festive meals, by sticking strictly to your shopping list. Purchase smaller quantities of perishable items, and consider buying in bulk only for non-perishable goods that you can store properly.

Additionally, support local farmers and markets with fewer supply-chain links that would otherwise require more packaging and transportation, increasing the risk of spoilage over time.

Proper storage techniques

Store dry goods in cool, dry places, and refrigerate perishables like dairy, meat, and certain vegetables to extend the life of your food. Make considerations for how hot the December period is in South Africa, and don’t leave festive food out for long. Utilising airtight containers can also help preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.

Thoughtful meal planning

Planning meals in advance is crucial to avoid over-purchasing and eventually throwing away more spoilt food than necessary – which is especially important for large celebrations where food is often made in abundance. Start by assessing what you already have in your kitchen to prevent buying duplicates, then create a detailed shopping list based on your meal plans, ensuring that you purchase only what is necessary.

Portion control and serving sizes

During large gatherings, it’s easy to dish up too much, leading to excess food on plates. Practice portion control by serving appropriate amounts and encouraging guests to take only what they can eat. This not only reduces waste but also promotes healthy eating habits.

Composting organic waste

Composting is an effective way to manage unavoidable food waste. By setting up a compost bin, households can convert organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for gardens. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and supports sustainable gardening practices.

De Bruyn believes that by embracing changes during the festive season, South Africans can collectively lay the groundwork for long-term environmental stewardship and social responsibility that will have an exponential positive impact on the world for years to come.

We have the opportunity to create a legacy of mindful food consumption that benefits both present and future generations, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays extends beyond the festivities and into a more sustainable way of living.

Nicolle de Bruyn is the executive officer of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA).

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