Ruokahävikkien

Ruokahävikkien refers to food waste, encompassing all food that is discarded or lost at any point in the food supply chain, from production to consumption. This can include produce that spoils before reaching consumers, food that expires in homes or restaurants, or edible parts of food that are trimmed and thrown away.

The issue of food waste is significant globally, with environmental, economic, and social implications. Environmentally, food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions as decomposing food in landfills produces methane. It also represents a waste of resources such as water, land, and energy used in food production. Economically, discarded food represents a loss of value for producers, retailers, and consumers. Socially, it is a concern given that many people face food insecurity while edible food is being wasted.

Efforts to reduce ruokahävikkien are increasing worldwide. These strategies involve improving storage and transportation, optimizing inventory management by retailers, educating consumers about proper food storage and meal planning, and encouraging the use of imperfect produce. Food banks and charities also play a role in redistributing surplus food to those in need. Policy changes and technological innovations are also contributing to tackling this complex problem.