Food waste refers to the discarding of food that is safe for consumption. This can occur at various stages, including production, distribution, retail, and consumption. Factors contributing to food waste include overproduction, spoilage, and consumer behavior, such as buying more than needed or misunderstanding expiration dates.
Globally, approximately one-third of all food produced is wasted, which has significant environmental and economic impacts. When food waste decomposes in landfills, it generates greenhouse gases like methane, contributing to climate change. Reducing food waste can help conserve resources, save money, and promote sustainability in the food system.