Food waste: how to limit fruit and vegetable losses

Every year, an alarming amount of fruit and vegetables is wasted, leading to significant environmental, economic and social consequences.

Understanding the scale of the problem

Food waste is a global problem. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately one-third of the world's food production is lost or wasted each year, or 1.3 billion tons of food. In France, this waste represents 10 million tons per year, 30% of which is fruit and vegetables.

Causes of fruit and vegetable waste

1. Overproduction : Farmers often produce more than actual demand to avoid shortages, leading to a surplus of unconsumed produce.
2. Aesthetic standards : The high demands of consumers and supermarkets regarding the appearance of fruits and vegetables lead to the rejection of products that do not meet the criteria of size, shape or color, even though they are perfectly edible.
3. Expiration dates : Confusion between the best before date (BBD) and the best before date (BBD) leads many consumers to throw away products that are still edible. A quick reminder:
• Best Before Date (BBD) : indicated by the words Use by…, this date applies to perishable products such as meat, fish and dairy products. Consuming these products after this date may pose a health risk.
• Best Before Date (BBD) : indicated by the words Best before… , this date applies to products such as fruits and vegetables, cereals and canned goods. After this date, the product generally remains safe to eat for a varied period, but it may lose quality (taste, texture, etc.).
4. Poor planning and storage : Over-purchasing fruits and vegetables and poor storage management leads to significant waste.

Here is a leaflet from the Swiss association Table Couvre-Toi, which saves food from destruction and distributes it to people in need in Switzerland and Liechtenstein:

The impact of waste

Environmental : Wasteful fruit and vegetable production uses valuable natural resources like water, land, and energy. Additionally, rotting food emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Economic : Farmers suffer significant financial loss when their products are not sold, affecting their turnover and remuneration.

Social : Unused food could be used to feed people in need, thus contributing to the fight against hunger and food insecurity.

Some solutions to reduce waste

1. Change your mindset : Don't be afraid to choose fruits and vegetables of all shapes and sizes, even if they're imperfect. They're often just as tasty and nutritious.
2. Buy local and direct : Support local producers and choose products from short supply chains to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You can also find out about farmers' markets, urban farms, agricultural cooperatives, and "Zero Waste" grocery stores in your area.
3. Think about your consumption habits : buy in appropriate quantities based on your actual needs to avoid impulse or excessive purchases.
4. Understanding expiration dates : Differentiate between best before and best before dates to avoid throwing away products that are still edible.
5. Proper storage : Store your fruits and vegetables in optimal conditions to extend their shelf life.
6. Use leftovers : prepare dishes (soups, preserves, freezing) with leftovers to avoid waste.

Here is a video from the YouTube channel Le jardin d'Alekil which gives some ideas for using citrus peels.

Resources to reduce daily waste

• Too Good To Go is a Danish app that connects retailers and consumers to offer unsold items at discounted prices in the form of rescue baskets. There are over 155,000 of them worldwide, and since its launch, the app has helped save over 300 million meals.

Available on iOS and Android .

• Phenix is ​​a French app that also allows you to buy a surprise basket at the end of the day. They have more than 16,000 partner businesses and companies, and more than 180,000 meals saved every day.

Available on iOS and Android .

• Frigo Magic is a handy French app that suggests recipes based on what you have in your fridge and cupboard . It has over 4,800 recipes available and a community of over 2 million people worldwide.

Available on Android .

• HopHopFood is a non-profit organization that works to reduce food waste while also promoting social action. The app connects those who give with those who seek . Since its creation in 2018, more than 7 million meals have been provided to people in need.

Available on iOS and Android

Fruit and vegetable waste is a major problem with significant environmental, economic, and social repercussions. However, by adopting responsible practices and supporting innovative initiatives, we can all help reduce this waste. It is crucial to value every resource and rethink our relationship with food for a more sustainable future.

And you, what are your ideas for reducing fruit and vegetable waste?

Cover photo credit: jcomp on Freepik