On September 29, the sixth International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste will be observed. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, this day aims to raise public awareness about food loss and waste and explore possible solutions to this global challenge. The ultimate goal—ambitious but achievable—is to halve per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030, while also reducing food losses along the production and supply chains.
Some numbers on food waste
According to FAO data, in 2021 about 13% of food—equivalent to 1.25 billion tons—was lost globally between harvest and retail shelves. Food waste doesn’t stop there: UNEP estimates that in 2022, 19% of food—around 1.05 billion tons—was wasted in households, restaurants, and retail.
This massive loss of resources not only harms the environment (food waste is responsible for an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions) but also raises serious ethical concerns. In 2023, one in eleven people worldwide went hungry, and roughly 28.9% of the global population—about 2.33 billion people—experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. With the world population projected to grow from 8.2 billion to 9.7 billion by 2050, ensuring safe and equitable access to food is no longer a goal that can be postponed.
Daily actions to reduce food waste
So, how can we contribute to reducing food waste? While food loss is a global issue, it can be tackled through simple everyday actions that each of us can take. Here are some practical tips:
- Plan your food shopping and meal preparation;
- Shop mindfully and store food properly to maintain its quality and extend shelf life;
- Pay attention to “use-by” dates, especially for highly perishable items;
- Measure portions when cooking and, in case of leftovers, store, share, or donate them;
- Participate in community programs that recover surplus food and support redistribution efforts;
- Compost food scraps or explore local food waste collection options.
Anti-waste recipe: Broccoli and Cauliflower Leaf Bruschetta
A smart way to reduce food waste—and save money—is to turn leftovers or parts of food that would normally be discarded into new, tasty, and nutritious recipes. From vegetable stems to fruit peels and stale bread, there are countless ways to give ingredients a second life. Not only will you help limit waste and protect the environment, but you’ll also discover surprising flavors and create original dishes that will impress family and friends.
Today, we’ll show you how to make delicious bruschetta using broccoli or cauliflower leaves!
More ideas for creative leftover recipes
Looking for more inspiration? There are plenty of creative and delicious anti-waste recipes! In our recipe collection, we’ve gathered traditional Italian dishes that turn food recovery into a true culinary art. Examples include Malfatti Mantovani, broccoli stem frittata, and pappa al pomodoro—just to name a few!
