Shocking food waste figures during Ramadan, causing environmental and social impacts
Nutrition expert Reem Bani Odeh, highlighted alarming statistics on food waste during Ramadan, revealing that nearly 30% of cooked meals, which are equivalent to a third of all prepared food are discarded, even as over 800 million people worldwide struggle with hunger.
Bani Odeh stated that global food waste reaches around 1.3 billion tons annually, leading to losses exceeding $900 billion. She stressed that this wasted food could feed nearly two billion people.
Food Waste Exacerbates Environmental Problems
Bani Odeh argues that food waste not only causes financial losses but also depletes resources and contributes to environmental pollution.
Moreover, Bani Odeh stated that wasted food production depletes trillions of liters of water and vast amounts of energy.
Bani Odeh added that food waste surges by 50 percent during Ramadan compared to other months, contributing to a rise in harmful environmental emissions.
Solutions: Better Planning and Reuse
Regarding possible solutions, Bani Odeh stressed:
- Cook as much needed to avoid wasting food.
- Reuse leftovers for new recipes, such as using leftover vegetables in soup or salad.
- Use reusable containers instead of plastic.
- Convert fruit and vegetable peels into useful home fertilizers for agriculture.
Bani Odeh highlighted that Ramadan presents an opportunity to reassess consumption habits, emphasizing, “Change is in our hands, and every small step makes a difference.”
Nutritionist’s Advice
Bani Odeh concluded by highlighting the need to regulate food preparation, stressing that Ramadan should be a time for mindful consumption, rather than excess, in line with the spiritual values of the holy month. She urged, “Let us protect our environment and cut waste, for the planet is the foundation of our existence.”
Source: Q8 press
