Ravintokestojen

Ravintokestojen is a Finnish term that translates to "food remnants" or "food waste." It refers to all edible food that is discarded or left uneaten by consumers, whether at the household level, in restaurants, or during food production and distribution. This can include uneaten portions of meals, spoiled food, or food that has passed its expiration date.

The issue of ravintokestojen has gained increasing attention due to its environmental and economic implications. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes in landfills, and it represents a significant loss of resources such as water, energy, and labor used in food production. Economically, discarded food is a direct financial loss for households, businesses, and the food industry as a whole.

Efforts to reduce ravintokestojen involve various strategies. At the household level, this includes better meal planning, proper food storage, and creative use of leftovers. In the food service industry, measures such as accurate portioning, donation of surplus food to charities, and composting are employed. Across the supply chain, improved logistics and inventory management aim to minimize waste before food reaches the consumer. Public awareness campaigns and policy initiatives also play a crucial role in addressing the problem of ravintokestojen in Finland and beyond.