We've tried many different methods of dealing with this mess, including wild ideas like blazing it to ashes, throwing it out of sight to the bottom of our oceans, or even digging gargantuan holes to bury our wastes deep underground. We've even proposed taking it to space, so it no longer remains our problem!
However, the tremendous scale of the issue makes these "solutions" exceedingly unsustainable. According to the United Nations, if food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. And the problem is due to explode monumentally, with estimates showing the global
As a result, the
Cooperation at all levels is crucial in accomplishing this arduous task. For example, resource extraction accounts for half the world's carbon emissions. However, to extradite a move to sustainable extraction processes, consumers can play a pivotal role by changing habits and lowering their dependence on unsustainable products.
The detriments of the waste sector reverberate through many facets of society and the planet, contributing significantly to pollution, the climate crisis, and even worsening biodiversity and nature loss.
"Every year, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems," the UN notes in a statement.
In order to make a change, we need to promote circular consumption systems, where the resources at each step of the product's life cycle are reused and recovered. This can significantly minimise damage to our air, land and water. The change can be incorporated on an individual scale by simply using things longer, repairing them when they wear out, or donating them to a recycling shop.
Industries should contribute by making products more durable and costing fewer low-impact materials. Manufacturers could also opt for less resource-intensive production and transportation methods.
"Zero-waste initiatives can foster sound waste management and minimise and prevent waste, helping to address the triple planetary crisis, protect the environment, enhance food security and improve human health and well-being," the UN note outlines.
If you’re still confused on how you could help individually, there are plenty of resources on the internet to help you take the first step. And if you find something interesting, do discuss it with us on our social media!