Understanding Food waste
What is Food waste?
Food that is safe to eat but is thrown away
What happens when you throw out food that is still good to eat?
It becomes food waste
What happens to most food waste after it is thrown away?
It goes to landfills
What is one common reason people waste food at home?
Buying too much food
What is one simple way to reduce food waste at home?
Plan meals or buy only what you need
Give one example of food waste at home.
Throwing out leftovers / spoiled food / uneaten food
Why might someone throw away food after the best-before date?
They think it is unsafe, even if it may still be okay
What gas is produced when food rots in landfills?
Methane
How do confusing food labels cause waste?
People throw away food too early
How can storing food properly help reduce waste?
It keeps food fresh longer
Why is food waste considered a problem?
It wastes resources like money, water, and energy
How can large portion sizes lead to food waste?
People cannot finish the food and throw it away
Why is methane harmful to the environment?
It is a strong greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change
Why do restaurants contribute to food waste?
Large portions and uneaten meals
What can you do with leftovers to avoid waste?
Eat them later or reuse them in another meal
What is the difference between food waste and food loss?
Food waste happens at homes/stores; food loss happens during production/transport
Why do grocery stores sometimes throw away food?
It looks imperfect or is close to the expiry date
Name one resource wasted when food is thrown away.
Water / energy / land
How does poor meal planning lead to waste?
Food is not used before it spoils
What is composting?
Turning food scraps into soil instead of throwing them away
About what percentage of food is wasted in Canada? ( In the Range ex: 70)
Around 40–50% (about 46%)
How can forgetting food in the fridge lead to waste?
It spoils before being used
How does food waste affect climate change?
It increases greenhouse gas emissions
Why do strict appearance standards cause waste?
Imperfect-looking food is thrown away even if it is edible
What is one way businesses can reduce food waste?
Donate extra food or reduce portion sizes