The 4 Biggest Mistakes We Make with Our Food: Avoid Them Now!

100% Commitment, 0% Waste: A Call to Action!

A world where everyone seeks well-being must commit to significantly reducing food waste.

How about some data to help us reflect? Well, according to estimates from international organizations (UN, FAO, WHO, among others), by 2021, total food waste was around 17% of global production. This equates to an astounding 931 million tons that end up in the trash. That is, 1 out of every 3 calories is wasted! How terrible!

This figure, chilling on its own, becomes even more significant when compared to the 828 million people worldwide who suffer from hunger, representing 9.8% of the global population.

To this unfortunate social and humanitarian scenario, we must add the severe environmental impact this waste represents. Estimates suggest that 10% of greenhouse gas emissions (which contribute to global warming) are directly associated with this unconsumed food.

It's Time to Take Action!

Waste is generated in production centers, warehouses, distribution centers, and consumption points. However, it's crucial to highlight that 26% of the problem lies with each person when they don't consume the food they acquire, produce, or buy, whether from the supermarket or prepared food and beverage establishments.

The 4 Biggest Mistakes That Make You Waste Food (And How to Solve Them!):

1. Impulse Purchases
Move towards smart shopping and meal planning. Here's how to do it in three simple steps:

Make a shopping list: Before going to the supermarket, check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Make sure to plan your meals for the week and only write down what you truly need.

Buy only what's necessary: Don't get carried away by tempting offers, as you might not consume everything before it spoils. Always avoid overbuying.

Design weekly menus: This will help you organize your purchases and use ingredients more efficiently.

2. Disorder and Lack of Knowledge
Work on proper storage and organization. It's essential to put these into practice:

"First in, first out" (FIFO): You just need a bit of organization in your pantry and refrigerator; check all expiration dates and place foods with the earliest dates at the front to be consumed first.

Correct temperatures: Your appliances need the right temperature to keep food fresh (refrigerator between 0 and 5 °C - freezer at -18 °C or below).
Airtight containers: With leftover food, we can create wonderful dishes store leftovers to extend their shelf life and prevent contamination.

Know the difference between dates: There are two terms that should be clear: "expiration date" (when the food is no longer safe for consumption) and "best before date" (indicates when the food is at its best quality but may still be fit for consumption after that date).

3. Waste

Remember: With creativity, leftovers in a kitchen become irresistible culinary experiences! Follow these 4 tips:

Appropriate portions: Without cooking more than the right amount, avoid excessive leftovers. Freeze extra portions in individual containers to make your week easier.

Reinvent leftovers: Get your creativity flowing or check out videos online that allow you to transform food scraps into new dishes.

Utilize "ugly" parts: Everything has a use. Don't discard fruits and vegetables with unusual shapes or small bruises. Their flavor is the same, and they're perfect for smoothies, juices, soups, or stews.

Composting: Food scraps that are no longer fit for human consumption are returned to the earth, thereby reducing waste that goes to the landfill.

4. Unawareness

Through education and awareness at home, we all make progress. Put these three things into action:

Involve the family: Teach everyone about the importance of reducing food waste and their role in mitigating it.
Monitor your own waste: Tracking what we throw away through records helps us identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Buy local and seasonal: More than just supporting local producers, choosing seasonal foods often reduces the carbon footprint and waste associated with prolonged transportation and storage.

Eat Consciously, Live Better!

We invite you to eat healthy and even lick your fingers! However, remember that food is meant to be enjoyed. Eat only what you desire and be part of the change from your home and wherever you go.