ruokajätteiden

Ruokajäte, or food waste, refers to any food that is discarded or intended for disposal. This can include food that has spoiled, is no longer edible, or simply excess food that is not consumed. Food waste occurs at all stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption.

Globally, a significant portion of food produced is lost or wasted. This waste has considerable environmental, economic, and social implications. Environmentally, food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when it decomposes in landfills. It also represents a waste of resources such as water, land, and energy used in food production. Economically, food waste represents lost income for producers and retailers, and increased costs for waste management. Socially, food waste is a concern when considering food insecurity and the ethical implications of discarding edible food.

Efforts to reduce food waste are multifaceted. They include improving food storage and handling practices, optimizing supply chain logistics, educating consumers about food preservation and portion control, and promoting food donation programs. Composting and anaerobic digestion are also methods used to manage food waste, transforming it into valuable resources like fertilizer or biogas. Policies and regulations aimed at reducing food waste are being implemented in various countries to encourage responsible food management.