NEW research from Zero Waste Scotland has revealed food waste is having ‘previously unquantified’ impacts on the health of the planet in addition to its known role in climate change – contributing to biodiversity loss, water consumption, land use pressures, and air pollution.
The newly published findings come as the circular economy public body confirms it will lead on the development of a Household Intervention Plan for Food Waste Reduction in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Zero Waste Scotland data shows food waste is the leading cause of damage to biodiversity and land use change, and second only to textiles as the leading contributor to water consumption and climate change impacts.
The organisation highlighted that we throw away £1.3 billion worth of food a year in Scotland, just from our homes.
Iain Gulland, chief executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said, “These findings really bring home the staggering impact our food system has, not just on climate change, but on the environment as a whole. More specifically, they reinforce how important it is that we reduce food waste from our homes, making the most of the food we love and reaping the benefits of smarter food behaviours for our budgets and lifestyles as well as for the planet.
“But responsibility can’t just fall to consumers; we need everyone – from decision-makers to welfare organisations to businesses and brands – to raise the profile of food waste as an issue and work together to tackle it. Ultimately, evolving positive food behaviours can improve people’s lives for the better.”
Food waste is identified by the Scottish Government as a priority action in the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030. The Route Map sets out a plan to deliver actions designed to accelerate progress towards a circular economy between now and 2030.
Climate action secretary Gillian Martin said, “This research highlights the wide-ranging environmental impact that waste from Scottish households has on the world around us, including on our climate, air quality and biodiversity. The findings highlight where Scotland has made good progress to reduce these impacts, and where we must focus our efforts to drive further progress, such as tackling food waste.
“We are clear that more needs to be done to support businesses and households to take action to reduce food waste and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders to identify what more can be done to drive meaningful change on this issue.”
More information, including full research findings, are available on the Zero Waste Scotland website https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/food-thought
Zero Waste Scotland will host the “Food for Thought: Food waste reduction through evidence-based insights” webinar on Wednesday 12 November, which will explore the scale of Scotland’s food waste crisis, and how the circular economy could be the answer.
