Posted by Shaheena Links on
We don't only talk about the waste that the fashion industry pushes into the environment. When trying to build a sustainable lifestyle we need to look at all facets of our lives and see how we can make a difference.
A TASTE OF NOSTALGIA
Food is something that can effectively trigger our deeper memories of feelings and emotions. Think back to your childhood, what memories are conjured up when you think about Sunday lunch? Food is what brought my whole family together for lunch every Sunday. My grandmother would cook all our favourite meals and everyone pitched in, whether it was peeling potatoes, setting the table or doing the dreaded dishes. One thing that sticks out to me is that nothing went to waste. Leftover food was put onto sandwiches or packed in for work the next day. Leftover mashed potatoes and cinnamon fried pumpkin were magically transformed into potato and pumpkin fritters. So I was quite shocked to learn the about that food that goes to waste in South Africa.
SIX SPORTS STADIUMS!
Did you know one third of all food produced in South Africa goes to waste and ends up in landfills? Each person in South Africa wastes about 210 kg of food every year. Added up, this means that 10 million tonnes of food go to waste every year - equal to six sports stadiums full of wheelie bins, filled to the brim with edible food. Ironically, whilst good food goes to waste, 13 million South Africans go hungry every day.
Fruits, vegetables, and cereals account for 70% of food waste throughout the food supply chain. According to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, it is estimated that this equates to a loss of R61.5 billion.
WWF CANNOT DO THIS ALONEWWF South Africa has worked extensively to formulate action plans to reduce food waste at various points along the supply chain which we have shared with our government and business sector.
As a Champion of Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, the South African government,
represented by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has globally pledged to cut food waste in half by 2030.
A recent study conducted by The Behaviour Change Agency (BCA), a behavioural science research company from Cape Town, found that less than 40% of farmers measure how much food is wasted during the farming process. South African farmers in the study were highly motivated and eager to address food waste to increase food security. 
Shelly Fuller, WWF South Africa’s Manager of the Fruit and Wine Programme, commented: “We are so proud of the depth of commitment of our Conservation Champions. They work hard to improve their entire approach towards looking after the environment – from water use to waste programmes.’’
WWF-SA works not only with farmers but also with retailers to create awareness and implement plans along the supply chain. Pavitray Pillay, Environmental Behaviour Change Lead and WWF SASSI Manager for the WWF, is proud that we have partnered with Woolworths: The partnership is a perfect fit with WWF’s strategy of creating a future where people and nature thrive by working with influential companies and their value chains to improve the way products are produced, processed and consumed.”
WWF SOUTH AFRICA HAS CREATED A FOOD WASTE ACTION PLAN FOR FARMERS AND RETAILERS
Farmers and fresh produce markets can support initiatives to redistribute surpluses from their harvest and supply.
Retailers need to support surplus food redistribution efforts.
However this is not without its challenges as a leading retailer has highlighted to us, “Surplus food might just comprise lettuce leaves, for which the beneficiary organisation may have no great need or use.
There is a chance for us to turn the tables around the severe food insecurity felt by millions of South Africans despite the bleak picture painted. Working with government, business and farmers we can take action to successfully cut down on food loss and food waste.
THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD WASTE
Buy local and/or seasonal: This helps minimise supply chain lengths.
Eat it all: Using both the roots and leaves of vegetables results in reduced waste.
Adopt a plant-based diet: It has lower environmental impacts.
Put your food waste to use: Compost your leftovers or waste.
Eat less meat: Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat.
So where does this leave us? Despite the staggering food waste statistics and the harsh reality of hunger in South Africa, there is still a glimmer of hope. Our childhood memories, like those Sunday lunches where nothing went to waste, remind us of the power of our resourcefulness. As we all embark on a journey to combat food waste, we must remember that every small action counts. Together, we can turn the tables on food insecurity and build a more sustainable, nourishing, and hopeful world for all.
FROM WASTEFUL TO TASTEFUL
We’re sharing some recipe ideas where we are taking our leftovers and turning it into tasty new meals. A quick Google search for recipes and your leftovers can be transformed.
Don’t let your left over mashed potatoes go to waste. Add some flour, fry with coconut oil and serve with syrup or freshly clotted cream.
Have a bag of avocadoes all ripening at the same time? Mash ‘em up, chop up some tomatoes, onions, add seasoning and keep the lime juice handy.
Take last night’s mac 'n cheese add an egg, roll a tablespoon into panko breadcrumbs, and fry in olive oil. Serve with tomato salsa before it reaches the best before date.