Food is essential; the name itself makes that clear. It's our means of survival . But we forget that far too often in our daily lives. In Germany, we throw away approximately 75 kilograms of food per person every year.
Why food appreciation is so important
When we take a closer look at our food and its production, we realize how many resources and how much labor goes into it. Agricultural land is used, water is consumed, and vast amounts of energy are invested (more on the environmental impact of food here ). This means our food is worth so much more than the monetary price we paid for it. By the time food is produced, it's already packed with resources. That's why it's so unfortunate to waste them. Respectful food also means using and enjoying it.
A good meal tastes good, can bring us together with friends or family, and nourishes our bodies. All the more shocking, then, are the figures on food waste. While several hundred million people lack sufficient access to food, approximately one-third of all food produced is thrown away ( FAO ). This is often due to a lack of awareness or a lack of appreciation for our food.
What we can do to appreciate our food more
The possibilities are manifold. A key to greater appreciation is learning about where our food comes from and recognizing its true value. To truly value our food and resources, there's also a hierarchy when it comes to food, outlining how we can handle surpluses.
This hierarchy is important on a large scale, i.e., at the level of industry, production and trade, but of course it applies equally to all of us at home: Every single person can do something to combat food waste.
To prevent food waste at home, a shopping list, a good overview of our food supplies, and cooking in portion sizes are helpful. There are also numerous tips for using up leftovers, and our creativity knows no bounds.
If we've overlooked food in our cupboards, it's time to rescue it. We can rescue food everywhere: at home in our cupboards and drawers, in the supermarket by choosing products that are often left over, such as single bananas, or items nearing their best-before date. We can redistribute food that we have too much of or don't like to our friends, family, and people in our community. Furthermore, we can promote greater appreciation for food through initiatives and apps that enable us to rescue it.
If all rescue attempts fail, or if the food is unsuitable for humans, we can use it in alternative ways at home. Some pets, for example, enjoy greens or stale bread.
Food rescue is always about saving edible food from the bin. If food is truly spoiled, it must be disposed of, albeit reluctantly, to avoid endangering our health. Those who have access to a compost heap can recycle food waste and use it to improve the soil. Everything else can be disposed of via the organic waste bin or regular household waste.
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You can find more tips against food waste in our rescue tips section or regularly on our social networks.