ruokajätettä

Ruokajäte, or food waste, refers to any food that is discarded rather than consumed. This includes food that has spoiled, is past its sell-by date, or is simply uneaten. Food waste can occur at all stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution, retail, and consumption in households.

In Finland, like many other countries, the management of food waste is a growing concern due to its environmental and economic impacts. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes in landfills, producing methane. It also represents a waste of resources used in food production, such as water, energy, and land.

Effective strategies for reducing food waste include better planning of meals, proper storage of food to prolong its freshness, and utilizing leftovers creatively. Many municipalities in Finland offer separate collection services for food waste, which is then typically processed through composting or anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and fertilizer. Composting breaks down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, while anaerobic digestion produces renewable energy. Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives aim to encourage individuals and businesses to minimize their food waste generation.