For years, I’ve been using the Bokashi method of EMO composting to turn food scraps into rich plant food, helping reduce waste and make my garden thrive. But in Japan, they’re taking waste recycling to a whole new level by converting edible leftovers into sustainable pig feed. Let’s dive into this fascinating world of food waste solutions!

The Japanese Food Waste Revolution

A recent BBC Future article explores how some Japanese farms are turning food waste into valuable resources through innovative recycling methods. In Japan, food waste from supermarkets, restaurants, and households is transformed into animal feed or compost, reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainability. These practices highlight the potential for circular economies where waste is minimized, and resources are continuously reused. By showcasing these farms, the article emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture and waste management in tackling environmental challenges.

While these initiatives are commendable, it’s crucial to consider that much like plastic recycling, this approach treats the symptom rather than the cause. It’s positive that people are finding solutions to the broken system, but if we reduced food waste in the first place, we wouldn’t have to recycle it. As the article states, each year, Japan throws out 28.4 million tonnes of food. This staggering amount of waste is not unique to Japan. In the UK, for instance, 100,000 tonnes of readily available and edible food from the retail and food manufacturing sector is wasted annually – equivalent to 250 million meals going uneaten.

Supermarkets are a significant source of food waste, which is why innovators like Koichi Takahashi have targeted them as one of the places to source 40 tonnes of food waste per day for recycling. However, addressing the root cause of food waste requires action at both individual and systemic levels.

Let’s start with the easier one – what individuals can do to make a difference:

1. Zero-waste cooking: Using all parts of ingredients and repurposing leftovers.
2. Mindful shopping: Only buying what can be realistically consumed.
3. Meal planning: Using tools like meal planning apps or calendars to reduce overbuying.
4. Proper food storage: Learning how to store different foods to maximize shelf life.
5. Understanding expiration dates: Differentiating between “best before” and “use by” dates.
6. Home preserving for things you just can’t eat fast enough – people often think about this for home grown things but there is no reason you can’t do it for anything you’ve bought from a shop.

Broader Level Solutions

Let’s dive a bit deeper into some big-picture solutions for tackling food waste. It’s not just about what we do at home – there’s a whole world of possibilities out there!

Supermarket Smarts: Improved Inventory Management

First up, let’s talk about supermarkets getting smarter with their stock. It’s not just about counting cans anymore:

• Crystal Ball Tech: Imagine if supermarkets could predict what we’re gonna buy before we even know it! That’s what data analytics can do. It helps stores order just the right amount of stuff, so less ends up in the bin. Companies have been doing this for a long time but with the advancements in AI and big data the forecasts are getting easier and better.
• Expiration Date Detectives: Ever noticed those “yellow sticker” bargains? That’s stores trying to sell stuff before it goes off. Now, they’re getting even sneakier with tech that tracks expiration dates and adjusts prices automatically. Score for bargain hunters and the planet!
• The “First In, First Out” Dance: It’s like a choreographed dance in the stockroom. Older stuff gets shuffled to the front, so it sells before it spoils. Simple, but effective!
• Display Makeovers: Stores are getting creative with how they show off their goods. The goal? Make sure we see (and buy) things before they go bad.

Embracing the Wonky Veg Revolution

Who says veggies need to look perfect? It’s time to show some love to the oddballs:

• Wonky Veg Pride: More stores are selling those quirky-looking fruits and veggies. You know, the ones that look like they’ve had a tough day but taste just as good!
• Veggie Education 101: We’re talking about spreading the word that wonky doesn’t mean wacky when it comes to taste and nutrition. These odd-looking guys are just as good for you!
• The Misfit Produce Aisle: Imagine a whole section dedicated to these characterful veggies, often at wallet-friendly prices. It’s a win-win!

Sharing is Caring: Food Donation Programs

Why waste when we can share? Here’s how we’re spreading the love:

• Teaming Up for Good: More supermarkets and restaurants are buddying up with local charities and food banks. It’s like a superhero team-up, but for fighting hunger and waste!
• Good Deeds = Good Deals: Governments are starting to offer perks to businesses that donate food regularly. It’s like getting a gold star, but better!
• Spreading the Word: We’re seeing more campaigns to get everyone excited about food donation. It’s not just good for the soul – it’s great for the planet too!

School and Business Food Waste Bootcamp

Even schools and offices are joining the food waste fight:

• Food Waste 101: Kids are learning about food waste in school. Who knows? They might even teach us a thing or two, my daughter is certainly trying to enlighten me.
• Waste Detectives: Schools and businesses are going CSI on their trash, figuring out where waste happens and how to stop it.
• Goldilocks Portions: Cafeterias are offering different portion sizes. Not too big, not too small – just right!
• From Scraps to Soil: Home owners have been doing it for centuries but now more businesses are composting and recycling food waste. It’s like giving leftovers a second life!

By tackling these areas, we’re not just dreaming about a less wasteful world – we’re making it happen! Every little bit helps, from rescuing a wonky carrot to setting up a school compost bin. It’s all part of the big picture in making sure good food doesn’t go to waste. And who knows? Maybe one day, food waste will be a thing of the past!

For more details on innovative food waste solutions in Japan, you can visit the BBC Future article.