Food wastage footprint. Carbon footprint calculations – based on the 2011 assessment of food wastage volumes (1) and emissions factors taken from Life Cycle Assessment studies – were estimated at 3. Jan 24, 2022 · Food loss and waste also exacerbates the climate change crisis with its significant greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. food loss and waste. However, the hidden costs of food wastage extend much further. e. To find out more go to: http: Feb 12, 2019 · Cereal wastage in India is a major contributor to the blue water footprint of food wastage in the SSE Asia region (FAO 2013). By making a thoughtful effort to reduce your food waste, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help make a positive global impact. The lost grain in sub-Saharan Africa only could meet the minimum annual food requirement of 48 million people. Mar 1, 2025 · It reports the results of a three-year comparative assessment of carbon footprint and food waste measurement based on data collected using questionnaires administered to 3408 patients located in nine hospitals, highlighting the nexus between sustainable choices and customers’ satisfaction. 85 M ton of carbon emissions. Jan 1, 2014 · Approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. 6 billion tonnes. What you eat, where it comes from, and how it was produced contributes to your FoodPrint — think of it like a carbon footprint, but for food. This summary report is part of the FAO’s Food Wastage Footprint Project. A model has been developed to answer two key questions: what is the magnitude of food wastage impacts on the environment; and what are the main sources of these impacts, in terms FAO estimates that each year, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption in the world is lost or wasted. By creating a full environmental One major front for action in the effort to reduce food wastage is developing better food harvest, storage, processing, transport and retailing processes, according to FAO's guide, Toolkit: Reducing the Food Wastage Footprint, released alongside its new report on the environmental consequences of food waste. The impact of food waste on global carbon emissions is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment. One-third of global food produced is wasted laterally with the food value chain. This document introduces a methodology that enables the full-cost accounting (FCA) of the food wastage footprint. It accounts for the environmental burdens stemming from each stage of the food supply chain. When put in landfills, products rot, releasing methane due to a process caused by lack of oxygen – anaerobic digestion. The full Jan 1, 2015 · This study analysed the discrepancies between the waste quantity and wastage carbon footprint (CF) profiles of perishable food products wasted in Swedish supermarkets. Phase I of the project has been commissioned to BIO Intelligence Service, France. org To catalyse essential action towards reducing food waste and achieving SDG 12. See also: Food Wastage Footprint 2 More info: Food wastage footprint, FAO Sep 11, 2013 · Food Wastage Footprint: Impacts on Natural Resources is the first study to analyze the impacts of global food wastage from an environmental perspective, looking specifically at its consequences 1 day ago · The U. This document provides a summary of a technical report on the environmental impacts of global food loss and waste. Sep 29, 2025 · In celebration of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, Earth. EPA works to promote innovation and highlight the value and efficient management of . A model has been developed to answer two key questions: what is the magnitude of food wastage impacts on the environment; and what are the main sources of these impacts, in terms Nov 1, 2015 · FAO quantified the food wastage footprint on natural resources, most notably its carbon footprint. Oct 6, 2022 · In recent years, there has been widespread concern regarding the carbon footprint (CF) of food waste due to the key impact of CF on climate change, particularly as China’s food waste is rising with its economic development. Nov 9, 2013 · Food Wastage Footprint: Impacts on Natural Resources is the first study to analyze the impacts of global food wastage from an environmental perspective, looking specifically at its consequences for the climate, water and land use, and biodiversity. For example, a single tomato spoiled at the harvesting stage will have a lower carbon footprint than and Food waste About one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption — 1. Oct 25, 2025 · The Food Wastage Footprint, as defined by Environmental Sciences, encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of the repercussions of wasted food. Phase I of the project has been commissioned to BIO-Intelligence Service, France. The FCA framework incorporates several elements: market-based valuation of the direct financial costs Food wastage footprint: Impacts on natural resources. 3 metric gigatons of edible food goes to waste every year and at least 795 million people are undernourished worldwide. The mountains of food that end up in the trash are not only an ethical and economic problem, but also a massive threat to the environment. 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, similar to the emissions of the US and China. Food that is produced, but never consumed, still causes environmental impacts to the atmosphere, water, land and biodiversity. This could involve choosing lower-impact foods, reducing food waste, or supporting sustainable farming practices. Quantifying the full costs of food wastage improves our understanding of the global food system and enables action to address supply chain weaknesses and disruptions that are likely to threaten the viability of future food systems, food security and sustainable development. Publisher's summary This FAO study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage (i. Cereals, meat, and vegetables are major contributors to the environmental footprint of food wastage across regions. What is carbon footprint and why does it matter? Mar 9, 2024 · How Food Waste Affects our Carbon Footprint Food makes up the most significant amount of the waste we throw away every day, 6. Objectives This project of the Natural Resources Management and Environment Department will primarily focus on the environmental impacts of food losses and waste. The total food wastage accounts for 3. The economic cost of food wastage is about USD 750 billion This FAO study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage focusing on the impact of that wastage on climate, water, land and biodiversity. These Mar 29, 2019 · According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, there is a food wastage carbon footprint of 540kg of CO2 per capita in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region— the fourth highest Carbon Sep 12, 2013 · THE FOOD Ethics Council welcomes the FAO’s new report on the environmental impact of food waste, Food wastage footprint: Impacts on natural resources. Phase I of the Nov 10, 2022 · FAO estimates that each year, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption in the world is lost or wasted. 5 billion tons of food every year, the United States discards more food than any other country in the world: nearly 60 million tons — 120 billion pounds — every year. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that one-third of all food produced is wasted. Considering Shanghai’s significance as a major urban center in China and a global hub for economic and cultural activities, this study primarily aims to accurately estimate household Summary: This study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage (i. This is one of the reasons why it Client - FAO Art Director - Francesca Lucci Illustrations, Sound Design and Motion Graphics Design - Mariantonietta Continenza £ In 2007, the global blue water footprint for the agricultural production of food wastage was about 250 km3; 3. org/nr/sustainability/food-loss-and-waste. See also: Food Wastage Footprint 1 More info: Food wastage footprint, FAO Carbon footprint ranking of food and tips on reducing your carbon footprint by cooking smartly, eating vegan and shopping wisely. In this work, we reviewed the problem of food loss and waste from a global viewpoint and highlighted the opportunities of managing food loss and waste towards carbon mitigation and beyond. 7 million tonnes ending up in landfills or incinerated. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has implemented the Food Wastage Footprint project, designed to address food loss, “the decrease in edible food mass at the production, post-harvest and processing stages of the food chain,” with food waste, “the discard of edible foods at the retail and consumer levels. Food impacts more than your health. The direct economic cost of food wastage of agricultural products (excluding fish and seafood), based on producer prices only Sep 1, 2013 · The Food Wastage Footprint model (FWF) is a project of the Natural Resources Management and Envir onment Department. Petroleum is used in almost every aspect of food production, from creating fertilizers, to mechanized planting and har Aug 25, 2023 · With the steady growth of the global population and the accelerated urbanization process, the carbon footprint resulting from food waste has a significant impact on the environment and sustainable development. It points out that globally we waste one third of all our food; in developing countries Notes: * All food carbon emissions are reported above in Kg of CO2e, including major greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It also comes at a steep environmental price, as What is the water footprint related to food wastage? Globally, the consumption of surface and groundwater resources of food wastage (the so called blue water footprint) is about 250 km³, which is equivalent to 3. The authors say The Food Wastage Footprint (FWF) project that inspired this Toolkit calculates the impact of food wastage on natural resources such as water, land and biodiversity. For this study, “wastage” incorporates both food loss and food waste along the food supply chain and a model has been developed to answer two key questions: What is the magnitude of food wastage impact on the environment Oct 21, 2013 · This FAO study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage (i. About this document The Food Wastage Footprint model (FWF) is a project of the Natural Resources Management and Environment Department. A model has been developed to answer two key questions: what is the magnitude of food wastage impacts on the environment; and what are the main sources of these impacts, in Create a plan to reduce your food carbon footprint. 6 times consumption of the USA for the same period. If the food waste is incinerated, this also contributes to further co2e emissions, which is What you eat matters. China has the largest Apr 20, 2023 · Eliminating food loss and waste is one of the most impactful ways to fight the climate crisis. The economic costs of this food wastage are substantial and amount to about USD 1 trillion each year. Learn why food loss and waste happens and how to reduce it. That's 6% of total global emissions. Then save $23/month for 2 mos. Food Carbon Emissions Calculator provides a comprehensive approach to calculating your foodprint. It finds that approximately one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, representing 1. Aug 22, 2025 · What is Sustainable Management of Food? Sustainable Management of Food is an approach that seeks to reduce wasted food and its associated impacts over the entire life cycle, starting with the use of natural resources, manufacturing, sales, consumption, and ending with decisions on recovery or final disposal. This is one of the reasons why it The ultimate objective of this project is to communicate that investments in food wastage reduction is the most logical step in the pursuit of sustainable production and consumption, including food security, climate change and other adverse environmental effects. What can you do to help reduce food waste at home? How much food is wasted in America? Just how much food do Americans waste? Here’s some “food” for thought: While the world wastes about 2. This study evaluates Europe’s potential energy and environmental savings from food loss and waste reduction and stresses the importance of end-to-end supply chain solutions. The full Quantifying the full costs of food wastage improves our understanding of the global food system and enables action to address supply chain weaknesses and disruptions that are likely to threaten the viability of future food systems, food security and sustainable development. In 2012, the FAO released a report titled Global Food Losses and Food Waste, revealing that globally, the water used to produce discarded food constituted 24% of the total water volume used for production. However This FAO study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage (i. 3 Gtonnes CO2 equivalent, ranking third after USA and China. Animal products have, in general, a larger water footprint per tonne of product than crops. S. This FAO study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage focusing on the impact of that wastage on climate, water, land and biodiversity. Not only does this waste natural resources like water and energy, but decomposing food in landfills releases methane. If you want to shrink your food footprint, then reducing your food waste is a great place to start. Based on the best knowledge and techniques available, FCA measures and values in monetary terms the externality costs associated with the environmental impacts of food wastage. Using the most recent Food This study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage (i. Food wastage has a serious impact on agricultural non-point source pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a grey water footprint of 16292 Mm³ and 60. 3 billion tonnes every year — gets lost or wasted, with high and low-income countries dissipating roughly the same quantities of food, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. This wastage not only has an enormous negative impact on the global economy and food availability, it also has major environmental impacts. Here's how. Step 7: Implement Changes Put your reduction plan into action. The full Food wastage arises at all stages of the food supply chains for a variety of reasons that are very much dependent on the local conditions within each country. For this study, “wastage” incorporates both food loss and food waste along the food supply chain and a model has been developed to answer two key questions: What is the magnitude of food wastage impact on the environment Foodprints Calculators: BBC Climate Change Food Calculator shows how your food intake compares to emissions of driving, heating a home and consuming water. Step 8: Monitor and Adjust One-third of global food production, approximately 1. Oct 27, 2025 · Similarly, advancements in packaging can extend the life of perishable goods, and apps connecting consumers to discounted food items can prevent surplus food from going to waste. The full technical report of the The full-cost accounting of the 'Food Wastage Footprint' puts economic costs at USD 700 billion, social costs at USD 900 billion, in addition to the economic cost of USD 1 trillion. The carbon footprint of this wasted food is 3. N. This Summary Report presents the preliminary results of the FWF modeling, as related to the impacts of food loss and waste on climate, land, water and biodiversity. Production, transportation, and handling of food generate significant Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions and when food ends up in landfills, it generates methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas. 2013 This Toolkit was produced as part of the Food Wastage Footprint project of the Natural Resources Management and Environment Department I don't own the rights to this video which was published on 11 Sep 2013 by www. It aims to provide a full-cost accounting of the environmental impact of wasted or lost food. Based The Food Wastage Footprint (FWF) project that inspired this Toolkit calculates the impact of food wastage on natural resources such as water, land and biodiversity. This food wastage represents a missed opportunity to improve global food security, but also to mitigate environmental impacts and resource use from food chains. Carbon footprint calculations – based on the 2011 assessment of food wastage volumes and Food wastage footprint: Impacts on natural resources. Jul 25, 2025 · Minimize Food Waste Food waste is another major player in contributing to a large food footprint. The connection between food waste and carbon footprint is direct and alarming. 6 Gtonnes, is wasted annually, impacting food security. Apr 1, 2025 · EPA prepared this report to inform domestic policymakers, researchers, and the public about the environmental footprint of food loss and waste in the U. This Summary Report presents the preliminary results of the FWF modeling, as related to the impacts of food loss and waste on climate,land,water and biodiversity. * Production emissions are for the production (cradle to farmgate) and any processing of quantity purchased. That’s estimated to be almost 40 percent of the entire US food supply, and Approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. The full The webpage provides information about food loss and waste database, including data sources, causes, and measurements across the food value chain. The quantitative and qualitative impacts of food wastage can be addressed through food wastage footprint. May 9, 2017 · Two important statistics help frame any discussion about food waste: 1. The aim of the Toolkit is to showcase concrete examples of good practices for food loss and waste reduction, while pointing to information sources, guidelines and pledges favoring food wastage reduction. In the present study, the water loss caused by sugarcane (55. ” Each year, according to FAO, “approximately one-third of all This guidance document provides an overview of global food loss and waste, carbon footprint of global food wastage, carbon footprint intensities and food wastage reduction scenario and climate change mitigation. The blue water footprint of wasted food is Feb 28, 2024 · Water footprint data further highlight the unsustainable nature of food waste. Summary report;One major front for action in the effort to reduce food wastage is developing better food harvest, storage, processing, transport a Jun 4, 2024 · Learn about the carbon footprint of food waste, exploring how food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce it. Lost and wasted food represents a missed opportunity to feed the growing world population. The scope of this study is global: the world has Credits: FAOSkip the cable setup & start watching YouTube TV today for free. The document quantifies the magnitude of the food wastage impacts on the environment and identifies the main sources of these impacts by looking at regions, commodities, and phases of the food supply chain involved. Food wastage results in a carbon footprint of 3. At a global level, a pattern is clearly visible; in high income regions, volumes of wasted food are higher in the processin g, distribution and consumption stages, whereas in low-income Carbon footprint of global food wastage FAO quantified the food wastage footprint on natural resources (2), most notably its carbon footprint. 3Gtonnes of CO2 equivalent. Nov 1, 2021 · Indeed, food waste issue has been accounted among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in terms of responsible production and consumption, with the aim of halving per capita global food waste and reduce food losses by 2030. both foodloss and food waste) along the food supply chain, focusing on impacts on climate, water, land and biodiversity. Based Water footprint Land use Biodiversity Economic assessment Cross-analysis and key findings Potential improvement areas. Make conscious choices when shopping and eating, and encourage others to do the same. Carbon footprint is an efficient way of communicating the issues related to climate change and the necessity of changing behavior. This includes production, processing, distribution, and disposal. 3, it's imperative to grasp the extent of food waste. both food loss and food waste) along the food supply chain, focusing on impacts on climate, water, land and biodiversity. * Transport emissions are for the transport of quantity purchased: local transport, any ocean transport, and user-defined long Sep 22, 2013 · It says its report, Food Wastage Footprint: Impacts on Natural Resources, is the first study to analyze the impacts of global food waste from an environmental perspective. This chapter attempts to identify the impact of food wastage, food security, and environmental quality on This food waste has a footprint of 300-400 kg CO 2 e, not including the additional impacts of deforestation and further production losses. The Food Waste Index Report 2021 marked a pivotal moment in understanding global Mar 11, 2025 · Food waste causes a disproportionally large carbon footprint and resource burdens, which require urgent action to transition away from a disposal-dominated linear system to a circular bioeconomy Oct 17, 2022 · From wasting natural resources and exacerbating food insecurity, how does food waste affect the environment? Read on to find out. Jun 1, 2018 · The loss of water resources (blue water plus green water) caused by food wastage is 60502 Mm³, more than 10% of the country's total water use. The calculator breaks down the following: The further along the chain the food loss occurs, the more carbon intensive is the wastage. This FAO study provides a global account of the environmental footprint of food wastage (i. Org revisits 11 effective solutions to tackle food waste. In particular, it will analyze the embedded water, soil, biodiversity, greenhouse gases in food wastage at the global level in order to produce the first global Food Wastage Footprint (FWF). fao. A model has been developed to answer two key questions: what is the magnitude of food wastage impacts on the environment; and what are the main sources of these impacts, in terms May 26, 2022 · However, among the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, very few countries make references to food loss and waste. The report highlights the damaging impact on the world’s natural resources of throwing away food. 3 GtCO eq for 2007 (excluding land use change). Valorization or utilization of food Jan 1, 2013 · Summary Report: Food Wastage Footprint, Impacts on Natural Resources Author Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations What is the water footprint related to food wastage? Globally, the consumption of surface and groundwater resources of food wastage (the so called blue water footprint) is about 250 km³, which is equivalent to 3. Summary report;One major front for action in the effort to reduce food wastage is developing better food harvest, storage, processing, transport a The global economic cost of food wastage, based on 2009 producer prices, is 750 billion USD, approximately the 2011 GDP of Turkey or Switzerland. 6 times the blue water footprint of total USA climate change e systems heavily depend on fossil-fuel energy. 6 km 3) was found to be nearly double to that caused by wasted cereals. Sep 11, 2013 · The report, Food Wastage Footprint: Impacts on Natural Resources, is the first study to analyze the impacts of global food wastage from an environmental perspective, looking specifically at its consequences for the climate, water and land use, and biodiversity. It accounts for transport, waste, and quantity purchased. both food loss and food waste) along the food supply chain, focusing on impacts on climate, water, land and One-third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted from farm to fork, according to estimates calculated by FAO (2011). Using the Food Carbon Emissions Calculator, you can calculate the carbon emissions from your food reported above in Kg of CO2e, including major greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It impacts the environment, animals and people. Measuring food waste allows countries to comprehend the magnitude of the issue, thereby revealing the size of the opportunity, while establishing a baseline for tracking progress. Summary report;One major front for action in the effort to reduce food wastage is developing better food harvest, storage, processing, transport a Want to know the environmental impact of your diet? Take this quick five minute survey to find your carbon, nitrogen, and water footprints! Mar 18, 2020 · Food waste accounts for around one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions from food. So what's your FoodPrint? Take this 3-minute quiz to find out. The Food Wastage Footprint model (FWF) is a project of the Natural Resources Management and Environment Department. FAO Knowledge Repository The ultimate objective of this project is to communicate that investments in food wastage reduction is the most logical step in the pursuit of sustainable production and consumption, including food security, climate change and other adverse environmental effects. Jan 28, 2023 · There is world-wide generation of food waste daily in significant amounts, leading to depletion of natural resources and deteriorating air quality. See full list on greenfacts. Feb 26, 2020 · Smart Guide to Climate Change: how cutting your food waste can reduce your carbon footprint (Credit: Getty Images/Javier Hirschfeld) Food wastage footprint: Impacts on natural resources. and the environmental benefits that can be achieved by reducing U. 2a32ui 65qu4 n15hc lphkdgo 6jx 2bx jv bekyudp 4iekwcpos trx