Did you know that food waste is a massive issue globally and right here in Malta? It’s staggering that while so many people struggle to put food on the table, a significant amount of delicious food ends up in the bin.
In today’s article, we will explore the food waste situation in Malta and how we can use Beyond Energised and various tips to manage it.
Prevalence of food waste In Malta: How bad is it?
Malta, despite its small size, is making quite an impact on food waste. According to a report by the European Commission, Malta generates around 100 kg of food waste per capita annually. This is quite close to the European average, but when you consider the size and population of Malta, it’s clear that we need to take serious action.
Across Europe, approximately 88 million tonnes of food are wasted annually, costing around €143 billion. Malta’s contribution might seem small in comparison, but on a per-person basis, it’s clear that food waste is becoming a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Causes of food waste in Malta
So, what’s causing all this food waste? Several factors come into play:
- Poor consumer behaviour:
Much food waste happens at the household or domestic level. This waste is due to overbuying, poor meal planning, and misunderstanding food labels, which often lead to throwing away food that could still be eaten.
2. Storage Issues:
Improper storage techniques cause food to spoil before it can be consumed. This is especially true for fresh produce, a staple in many Maltese households.
3. Cultural Factors:
Traditional Maltese meals often involve large portions and a variety of dishes, which can lead to excess food being discarded.
4. Supply Chain Inefficiencies:
Food waste also occurs during the production and distribution stages. Mismanagement, transportation delays, and inadequate infrastructure can result in significant losses before food reaches consumers.
Effects of food waste
Food waste has some significant impacts beyond just tossing out leftovers. These include;
- Environmental Impact:
When we throw away food, it ends up in landfills, where it breaks down and releases methane, a greenhouse gas that’s even worse for the environment than carbon dioxide. Plus, all the water, energy, and effort that went into producing that food go to waste, too.
- Economic Consequences:
On the financial side, food waste is like throwing money in the trash. Families, restaurants, and stores spend a ton on food that never gets eaten, which means higher costs for everyone involved.
- Social and Ethical Concerns:
It’s also a major social issue. A third of the food we produce globally gets wasted, yet millions of people are hungry. By cutting down on waste, we could help get food to those who really need it.
- Impact on Food Security:
Wasting food also messes with our food supply. As the world’s population grows, we must be more thoughtful about how we use our food. Less waste means more stability and resilience in our food systems.
Practical tips on how to reduce food waste in Malta
To reduce food waste, everyone including you and me, must play our part and stay involved. This is not an issue the government alone can stop. We all are the problem. Hence, we each owe one another to change some bad habits contributing to this situation. Some good habits we can all adopt to help reduce food waste include;
- Plan your meals:
Meal planning is one of the most important ways to reduce food waste. It helps prevent impulse buying or buying food you’d later throw out because you realise you do not actually need or even want it. Planning meals can help you buy only what you need and use ingredients efficiently. Additionally, it enables you to save more money.
- Understand Food Labels:
Label descriptions like “Use by” or “Best Before” can lead to you tossing out the food. So what is the difference between “use by” and “best before” on food products? Use by is the last day the food is considered safe. Consuming food past this date can pose health risks because the product might be spoiled or contaminated. However, “best before” indicates the period during which the food is at its best flavour and texture. It’s more about the food’s peak quality rather than safety.
- Proper Storage:
Store food correctly to extend its shelf life. For instance, keep your fridge at the right temperature and use airtight containers for perishables.
- Portion Control:
Serve smaller portions to reduce leftovers. You can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Use leftovers to create new meals instead of throwing them away. Think soups, stews, or even sandwiches.
How Beyond Energised can help
Considering the degree of food waste in the country, online grocery shopping sites like Beyond Energised are the way to go. Our virtual pantry is designed to help you reduce food waste effortlessly by tracking what you have at home and what you need to replace or introduce. No more buying duplicate items or letting food expire in the back of the cupboard. The virtual pantry gives you reminders and suggestions for meals based on the ingredients you already have, helping you use up what you’ve got before it goes bad.
We aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to impact food waste reduction positively.
Final words
Reducing food waste is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future, and it starts with each one of us. We can make a significant difference by understanding the issue, making small changes in our daily lives, and leveraging tools like Beyond Energised’s virtual pantry. Let’s work together to tackle food waste in Malta and create a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone.
Ready to join the fight against food waste? Check out Beyond Energised today, and start positively impacting your health and the environment. Together, we can make a difference—one grocery at a time!
