The Food waste has become a crucial challenge in Spain, where it is estimated that 54% of wasted food comes from households. Despite government measures, such as the Law on the Prevention of Losses and Food Waste, the real battle against this problem is fought within each family. Beyond regulations, it is vital to promote a change in education and consumption habits to achieve an effective reduction of waste. Meal planning and mindful consumption are not only beneficial for the environment, but can also lead to significant savings for each household. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, families could save up to 300 euros annually by adopting proper practices to reduce waste. It is crucial to implement an educational program that involves both adults and children, focused on responsible shopping, proper use of leftovers, and adequate food preservation. Adopting simple practices is essential in this battle against waste. An effective strategy is weekly menu planning, which helps avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary product accumulation. It is recommended to check the pantry and refrigerator before shopping, freeze foods that are close to expiration, and be creative with leftovers. Learning to interpret expiration dates and opting for bulk purchases are other measures to significantly reduce waste. From an economic point of view, food waste is often expensive. Each kilogram of wasted food can represent a cost of between 5 and 7 euros. Thus, a household that loses between 30 and 40 kilograms per year could needlessly increase their expenses by more than 250 euros. While measures in restaurants and supermarkets have produced positive results, the household realm remains concerning due to lack of organization and limited knowledge about food management. In the face of this issue, education becomes a fundamental pillar. Integrating content on saving and responsible use of food in school programs, organizing community workshops, and developing awareness campaigns are crucial steps in this fight. Increasing awareness and education is presented as an indispensable tool to reduce waste and improve household economics. The evident connection between food waste and households highlights the urgent need to teach planning, buying, and consuming responsibly. These actions can not only lead to significant savings, but also contribute to a more sustainable future. The solution lies in the daily habits of each household and the individual commitment of everyone to effectively address this challenge.
Source: Portico.es in Spanish
