Key message is that we have ‘everything to gain – nothing to waste’ by acting on one of the world’s biggest economic, environmental and social issues
Global environmental action NGO Wrap is planning to use London Climate Action Week (LCAW) as the first in a series of international events to change the narrative around global food waste.
Its message is that we have ‘everything to gain – nothing to waste’ by acting on one of the world’s biggest economic, environmental and social issues.
With events at Climate Week New York City and COP31 to follow, Wrap will launch a new global campaign to focus on scaling action to reduce food waste across the world’s food systems and supply chains.
Wrap wants to change how we view food waste and focus on the overlooked opportunities and multiple benefits to be gained from farm to fork and across low, middle and high-income countries worldwide.
Every year, more than one billion tonnes of food is lost or wasted globally. For the global population, over USD $1 trillion in economic value is lost through wasted food, while 780 million people face hunger.
Wrap CEO WRAP Catherine David said: “Countries that reduce food waste will better achieve not only their environmental targets but can make significant economic gains and deliver social benefits.
“Food waste generates 8-10 per cent of all global greenhouse gas emissions every year unchecked, and with many businesses struggling to stay afloat, putting the focus on food waste helps to reduce costs and strengthen operational resilience.
“Food prices are projected to spiral this year, meaning the cost-of-living crisis will deepen for many people. Families can make their money go further, if we can help them prevent food waste at home.
“The opportunities for our economy, our society and the environment by reducing food waste and stabilising our food system are all win-win – and some of the most straightforward to address.”
The NGO explained that for governments, acting on food waste offers opportunities for countries to achieve their climate goals while driving business efficiency and growth and saving people money.
For businesses, reducing food waste means stronger margins, improved efficiency and greater resilience by taking control of food waste.
For people, opportunities include reducing pressure on household budgets, helping people make more of the food they buy, and ensuring surplus food benefits local communities.
For the planet, gains include lower emissions and more efficient use of stretched natural resources – exacerbated by geopolitics and climate change.
At LCAW, WRAP is joining forces with a range of international partners across a series of events including the Champions 12.3 network, the Global FoodBanking Network, Tesco, and others.
June will see a programme of activities across London Climate Action Week with particular focus on scaling collective action through Wrap’s global Food Pact Network, as well as accelerating progress towards ‘circular living’.
