More than 1 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide in 2022, the United Nations said on the International Day of Zero Waste, highlighting the scale of a problem that affects climate goals, resource use and food security.

According to UN data, households, retailers, and food service providers discarded around 1.05 billion tonnes of food during the year. The waste represented nearly 19% of food available to consumers globally.

The statistics came out as the UN was commemorating the International Day of Zero Waste, highlighting the problem of food wastage in the world. The UN pointed out that although there are increased efforts towards waste management and resource efficiency made by governments, companies, and even international agencies, the problem of food waste still exists.

In addition, the food waste causes greenhouse gas emissions. This happens as the biodegradable food waste in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas. According to the UN, the total greenhouse gas emissions due to food loss and wastage across the globe amount to 8% to 10%.

The problem also imposes an economic burden. Resources spent on food that is not eaten include land, water, energy, fertilizer, transport, and labor. Discarding food means discarding these resources too.

The UN stated that food waste occurs at various points within the food chain, with reasons varying depending on the region. Food waste in developing countries takes place mainly during harvesting, storing, and transporting. On the other hand, food waste in high-income countries involves retailers, restaurants, and households.

Zero Waste International Alliance this year emphasized the need for actions such as developing improved storage techniques, implementing an efficient supply chain, launching consumer awareness campaigns, and enhancing food waste collection activities to reduce food wastage.

Food wastage reduction is now considered an aspect of sustainable development initiatives being taken internationally. As per the Sustainable Development Goals, nations have resolved to reduce per capita food wastage in the retail and consumer sectors and to cut down food loss along production chains by 2030.

According to the UN, while some progress has been achieved, there are still variations in the reporting mechanisms, methods for measuring food waste, and national policies. Many countries have found it difficult to develop effective mechanisms for measuring and reducing food waste.

Current statistics emphasize the magnitude of food waste worldwide as well as the relationship between food waste and carbon emissions and resources consumed. This makes food waste a focal point of discussion for sustainable consumption.