60% of food waste comes from homes, UAE urges action

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has called on families to adopt simple changes in their purchasing, cooking and storage habits as a way to combat food waste. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment asserts that everyday decisions made at home can make a substantial impact on reducing food waste while optimizing the use of available resources.

This guidance follows global studies that highlight the extent of the issue: approximately one billion meals are discarded daily, with households responsible for around 60 percent of food waste, making consumer behavior a crucial aspect of efforts to minimize losses, according to Al Bayan newspaper.

The ministry outlined four steps that households can take to reduce waste. First, they should shop more thoughtfully. It is advised that families plan their purchases before heading to the store, determine exactly what they need, and refrain from buying excess food that may not be consumed. Checking the fridge and pantry before shopping can also help avoid unnecessary purchases.

The second step involves cooking more efficiently. Planning meals in advance and preparing portions that correspond to the number of diners can help minimize surplus food. Leftovers should be repurposed into new meals or recipes instead of being discarded. The third approach is to share surplus food when it is still safe to eat, thereby allowing others to benefit from it instead of it ending up in the trash.

Food scraps that are no longer suitable for consumption can, in some cases, be composted, which reduces organic waste while offering a more sustainable way to utilize it. The fourth measure centers on proper storage. Consumers are encouraged to understand the temperature and storage conditions required for different foods, organize refrigerators and cupboards efficiently, and keep track of expiration dates.

Improved storage can prolong the usable life of food and lessen the chance that products spoil before they are eaten.

This initiative aligns with a broader national effort to gather comprehensive data on where food is being lost or wasted across the UAE. The National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, or Ne’ma, has launched the country's inaugural national baseline study to measure food loss and waste across all Emirates. The 18-month study, which commenced last year, involves households, institutions, and organizations from both the public and private sectors.

It is designed to measure losses throughout the food supply chain and pinpoint the stages where the most waste occurs, providing valuable data that can inform future policies and interventions. The study also contributes to the UAE's pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030 and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.

Results from the national study are anticipated to be released this year and are intended to establish national indicators and a strategic roadmap to gauge progress and evaluate the impact of policies and initiatives. However, while national data and policy will shape the broader response, the ministry emphasizes that the most immediate gains can still be achieved closer to home, through the choices families make in their shopping baskets, at mealtime, and regarding what they choose to keep versus throw away.