“Food waste is an urgent, but solvable, global challenge. One third of all food produced globally is wasted and in Canada 47% of food waste can be attributed to
households. “ ~ Love Food, Hate Waste (Canada)
With Thanksgiving around the corner and not so far Christmas and other celebrations, we shift our attention to food: human celebrations around the world always include special meals, potlucks and sharing.
Thanksgiving was originally a celebration of the harvest, the abundance and goodness of the Earth. Peoples from all cultures around the world use harvesting time to celebrate, preserve food for the winter or less productive months and be grateful for what the combination of soil microorganisms, sun, water and minerals has given to them.
Food is a precious thing: it gives us energy and comfort, nourishes our bodies and souls with its flavours, colours, variety, smells and beauty, brings us together around the table and usually makes us happy to be alive.
Food is also deeply connected, as we have seen in previous posts in this blog, to many of the world and local current challenges: in a world of both abundance and ecological boundaries, we see malnutrition, hunger and famines alongside obesity and lifestyle-connected illnesses such as diabetes. In a world of natural cycles and transformation, we see waste and pollution. And in a world of democracies and progress, we also see deeply imbalanced systems where those who produce, prepare, distribute and serve the food we eat are among the poorer and less considered citizens.
How many of us buy more than we need, store back into the darkest fridge shelves and then forget what we have?
How many times we buy by impulse and end up with things we don’t want or need, a higher grocery bill and a garbage full of “past expired” stuff?
This week, we invite you to reflect on the amazing goodness of this world, that gives us all we need and some more: there is plenty food for all, if we learn to appreciate and care for food as well as for all its systemic implications.
Here are some tips:
- Keep food fresh: Store food properly so it stays fresh longer.
Check these amazing produce, freezer, fridge and shelf life guides for more info: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/keep-it-fresh/
- Use it up: Use more of the food you buy.
Check these recipes ideas, tips to “revive” food, how to preserve food by drying and canning, among others methods: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/use-it-up/
- Plan it out: Make a meal plan and shop smart, so you buy just what you need.
New to meal planning? Check these 10 tips! https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/plan-it-out/
Want to better understand the impact of food waste on the environment and our climate?
Check these resources and consider becoming involved with a local organization to reduce food waste and celebrate the food we love!
Have more ideas to share on how to reduce food waste and love food? Share them with us through our Facebook page, Facebook group or send us a message!
The Love Food, Hate Waste initiative in Canada was modelled on the LFHW initiative in the UK.