Every year, an astonishing amount of food ends up in bins instead of on plates. The UNEP Food Waste Index 2024 reports that nearly one-fifth of all food produced globally is wasted: at households, restaurants, and retail levels alike. This crisis extends beyond the environmental burden of methane emissions or wasted resources; it also highlights deep inequalities in global food access. Data from the World Population Review reveals that both developed and developing nations contribute heavily to this issue, with billions of tons of edible food lost annually. From poor infrastructure and inefficient supply chains to overproduction and consumer habits, the causes are diverse yet interconnected. Food waste has become a global challenge that transcends borders and economies.
China leads the world in total food waste, throwing away more than 108 million tons of food every year. This massive figure reflects the country's enormous population and growing food consumption patterns. On a per-person basis, the average Chinese citizen wastes about 76 kilograms of food annually. It's a reminder of the scale of waste that accompanies rapid urbanisation and higher living standards.
India follows closely behind, discarding over 78 million tons of food each year. With one of the world's largest populations, the country's food waste largely comes from inefficient storage, distribution losses, and leftovers. Each Indian wastes roughly 54 kilograms of food annually, underscoring the gap between abundance and access in a nation where food security remains a pressing concern.
Pakistan generates nearly 31 million tons of food waste every year, a striking number for a developing economy. On average, every person in Pakistan wastes about 122 kilograms of food annually, which is one of the highest per-capita rates globally. The figure reflects issues such as poor handling, lack of preservation facilities, etc.
Nigeria wastes around 24.8 million tons of food annually, making it one of Africa's largest contributors to global food loss. The average Nigerian throws away about 106 kilograms of food per year. Much of this waste stems from post-harvest losses, limited cold storage, and challenges in transporting food from rural areas to urban markets.
The United States discards over 24 million tons of food each year, ranking among the top global contributors despite its smaller population compared to countries like China or India. Each American wastes about 71 kilograms of food annually, a reflection of a highly consumer-driven culture where large portion sizes, expired goods, and household waste play a major role.
Brazil generates more than 20 million tons of food waste annually, with an average of 95 kilograms of discarded food per person. While agriculture is a major pillar of the Brazilian economy, inefficiencies in storage, transport, and consumer habits contribute significantly to this large volume of waste.
Egypt records over 18 million tons of food waste every year, with one of the highest per-capita rates globally at around 155 kilograms per person. A large portion of the waste occurs during production and distribution, as well as at the household level, due to excess purchasing and inadequate preservation methods.
Indonesia wastes nearly 15 million tons of food each year, equal to about 52 kilograms per person. The country's tropical climate and limited infrastructure for storage and logistics often lead to spoilage before food reaches consumers, while rising urbanisation adds to the growing challenge.
Bangladesh discards just over 4 million tons of food annually. Although this total is smaller than many other countries on the list, the per-person figure stands at around 82 kilograms per year. Much of this waste results from inadequate storage, weather conditions, and losses that occur during the supply chain rather than consumer behaviour.
Mexico wastes about 13.4 million tons of food each year, with an average of 102 kilograms per person going uneaten. The problem is driven by factors such as inefficient distribution systems, market oversupply, and food left uneaten at the consumer level. Despite ongoing efforts to improve food management, waste continues to be a significant issue.
Here's what you can do to decrease the food waste generated at your home and simultaneously save money:
Plan Your Meals: Dedicate a day each week to planning your meals. This helps in buying only the necessary groceries, reducing impulse purchases and food wastage.
Check Expiry Dates: Always read labels for 'use by', 'expiry date', and 'best before' terms. This ensures you consume food while it's still fresh and prevents unnecessary discards.
Store Food Properly: Understand the correct storage methods for different foods. Proper storage extends shelf life and maintains food quality.
Don't Throw Away Leftovers: Repurpose leftover food into new dishes. This not only reduces waste but also saves money by utilising existing resources.
DIY Fertilisers and Compost: Instead of discarding fruit and vegetable peels, use them to create homemade compost. This enriches your garden soil and reduces kitchen waste.
Source: NDTV