The Power of Consumer Choice: How We Can Reduce Food Waste

Systemic Change and Individual Action

“Reducing food waste is not just about what we do at the individual level; it’s also about the systemic changes that we need to make.”

Food waste is a complex issue that affects us all, but it is ultimately up to each of us to take responsibility for our actions.

Consumers have a profound impact on the food industry, and by making conscious choices, we can drive meaningful change. The documentary BUY NOW! highlights the staggering statistics and environmental toll of food waste, from the staggering 1.3 billion tons of uneaten food per year to the 21% of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to food production and consumption.

Reducing Food Waste Starts at Home

Practical Tips

Plan Meals and Shop Smart:
Use apps like Mealime, Paprika, Yummly, and Plan to Eat to organize meal plans and ensure groceries are used efficiently.
Make a detailed shopping list and stick to it, avoiding impulse buys.
Consider batch cooking and freezing portions to reduce the chance of food going bad before it’s used.
Schedule a “fridge clean-out meal” each week to use up items that are close to expiring.
Store Your Food Properly:
Reduce spoilage and lengthen shelf life by storing food correctly.
Embrace Imperfections:
Purchase “ugly” produce from companies like Misfits Market or Imperfect Foods.
Learn to read labels correctly: “best by” indicates peak quality, not safety, and “use by” typically refers to safety for perishable items.
Use Leftovers Creatively:
Reimagine leftovers with recipe inspiration from websites like Love Food Hate Waste, or the Supercook app, which suggests recipes based on ingredients you already have.
Use vegetable scraps to make stock or soups, and freeze excess stock in ice cube trays for easy use.

Composting and Donating Excess

Compost:
Use composting services like CompostNow, Lomi, or ShareWaste.
To start composting at home:
Get a bin or designate an outdoor pile.
Layer “greens” (fruit and vegetable scraps) with “browns” (dry leaves or cardboard) for balance.
Avoid composting meat, dairy, or oils unless you have a specialized system.
Turn the pile occasionally to aerate it, speeding up decomposition.
Donate Excess:
National organizations like Feeding America and Food Rescue US accept donations of surplus food.
Support local food banks and initiatives like community fridges.
Apps like OLIO connect neighbors to share surplus food within their communities.

How CPG Companies Are Making a Difference

Initiatives and Efforts

Company	Initiative	Details
Unilever	Reducing Food Waste in Supply Chains	Uses AI-powered systems to optimize inventory and reduce waste in manufacturing and distribution.
Nestlé	Partners with food rescue organizations like Feeding America	Redirects surplus food to communities in need.
General Mills	Minimizing Carbon Footprints	Committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, and invested in renewable energy sources like wind farms and optimized logistics.
Kellogg’s	Minimizing Carbon Footprints	Introduced carbon footprint labeling on packaging to encourage sustainable consumer choices.
Cargill	Promoting Regenerative Farming	Partners with farmers to implement regenerative agriculture practices, improving soil health and sequestering carbon.
Ben & Jerry’s	Sourcing Locally and Responsibly	Sources dairy from local farms that adhere to sustainable and ethical practices.
Clif Bar	Sourcing Locally and Responsibly	Prioritizes organic and locally sourced ingredients to minimize its environmental impact.
ReGrained	Innovating with Upcycled Ingredients	Upcycles spent grain from brewing beer into snack bars and baking flour.

Collaborative Efforts for Greater Impact

Avoiding a Single-Focused Approach

While CPG companies undoubtedly have a significant influence and bear responsibility for their practices, it is equally crucial to acknowledge that governmental policies that incentivize sustainable practices and consumer behavior are also paramount in driving demand and reducing waste.