Composting Stock photos by Vecteezy
MODULE 5
Food Waste and Composting: A Guide to Sustainability
Let´s start!
Co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them - 2023-2-ES01-KA210-ADU-000179142
B-GLOCAL results are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Introduction
This micro-lesson explores the importance of reducing food waste and embracing composting. By addressing food waste at all stages—from production to disposal—we can contribute to global food security, reduce environmental harm, and enrich soil health through composting. Join us as we uncover facts, tips, and actionable steps to make sustainable choices in our everyday lives.
Photo by Del Barrett on Unsplash
Learning objectives
When you complete this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand the global impact of food waste on resources and the environment.
Learn how composting reduces waste, enriches soil, and cuts emissions.
Discover global initiatives that address food waste and promote composting.
Gain practical tips for reducing food waste through smart habits at home.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
Section 1. The Global Food Waste Impact
Waste generation is a growing global challenge, with billions of tons produced each year from households, industries, and agriculture. This waste not only harms ecosystems and contributes to pollution but also drives climate change and poses serious health risks through greenhouse gas emissions and toxic contaminants.
3.1 billion people worldwide are affected by food insecurity
or hunger. This includes:
820 million, or 1 in 10 people
suffer from chronic hunger.
2.3 billion people suffer from undernourishment or underfeeding.
45 million children under 5 years old
have a severe form of malnutrition. In this one minute you to read this,
15 people around the world die
from hunger or malnutrition.
The Other Side of Waste: Hunger
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
What the World Eats
Photographer Peter Menzel and writer Faith D’Aluisio traveled globally to document what 24 families from different countries eat each week. Their book Hungry Planet: What the World Eats reveals striking contrasts in food consumption, diet, spending, and accessibility.
For example, a family in Chad spends around $1.23 on staple grains and vegetables for a week, while a German family spends over $500 on processed foods and meats, while developing nations depend on fresh staples.
Titanic Food Waste
Nearly one-third of all food produced worldwide is going to waste.
This is 1.3 billion tons of food lost annually - equivalent to the weight
of 25,000 Titanics.
This amount is sufficient to ensure 2 meals daily for all 3.1 billion people who are starving or facing food insecurity worldwide.
Where Food Waste Happens
Photo by Jacopo Maiarelli on Unsplash
Image by Tonny Mafole from Pixabay
In developed countries, over 40% of food waste happens
at the retail and consumer levels.
In developing countries, nearly 40% of food waste
occurs post-harvest.
Main Generators of Food Waste
- 70% of food waste (6.7 million tons),
comes from households
which discard food
due to over-purchasing,
improper storage, and
serving large portions.
- 12% from restaurants,
- 2% from the retail industry, due to nearing expiration, imperfect appearance, and issues with transportation and poor storage.
The Cost of Household Waste
The average household wastes 30%
of the food they purchase.
When food is wasted, it’s not just the
food itself that’s lost, but all the water,
energy, and labor that went into
producing, transporting, and storing it.
The global food waste is estimated
at nearly 1 billion Euro.
And this is not the full cost.
Image by freepik
Food Waste and Climate Impact
Food waste contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When food waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane – a greenhouse gas that traps heat 25 times more intensively than CO₂. The energy wasted on discarded food could power over 500 million homes annually. Approximately 70% of freshwater globally is used for agriculture, much of which is wasted with discarded food.
Food production drives deforestation, harming ecosystems and causing significant biodiversity loss. Overuse of land for food production can degrade soil quality, leading to erosion, nutrient loss, and. reduced future productivity. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture pollute waterways, creating 400+ dead zones globally where marine life cannot survive.
Section 2. Rerouting Surplus Food
By rerouting surplus food from farms, supermarkets, and restaurants to communities in need, we can bridge the food gap. Food redistribution networks and food banks make it possible to fight hunger sustainably and efficiently.
Food Banks
The first Food Bank opened in 1976 in the U.S. and since then the concept expanded as a global network of 60 000 food banks in 70 countries. So far, they have collected 15 million tons of surplus food from farms, grocery stores, and manufacturers and distributed it to people in need.
Similarly, in India since 2014 the Robin Hood Army of volunteers brought 60 000 tons of excess food from restaurants and supermarkets to 120 million malnourished people.
Saving Rejected Food
Rub & Stub in Denmark is the first restaurant cooking rejected food. Since 2013, it creatively uses surplus and rejected produce in its daily menu.
The "ugly food" initiative in the U.S. sells cosmetically imperfect produce at a discount, they have saved over 68 000 tons of food.
Individuals and companies can donate surplus food in 2000 community fridges globally for anyone who needs it.
National Incentives for Food Saving
In 2016, France became the first country to pass a law mandating that supermarkets donate unsold but still safe food to charities and food banks rather than discarding it.
Italy’s tax incentive program grants tax deductions to companies that donate surplus food to charities.
Food Waste Recycling & Energy Production
South Korea's food waste recycling laws have led to a 95% reduction in food waste, making it a global leader. Collected food waste is then recycled into animal feed, compost, and biogas for energy.
In the UK food waste is also composted and turned into biomethane, used to make electricity for local homes and vehicles.
Image from straitstimes.com
Section 3. The Power of Composting
By diverting organic waste from landfills, composting avoids the release of methane, generated when organic waste decomposes anaerobically in landfills. Global composting could reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.4 billion tons annually, 4% of greenhouse gas emissions.
In Australia, community-based composting programs invite residents to bring kitchen scraps to compost hubs. Volunteers manage the compost and educate participants on sustainability. The resulting compost enriches local green spaces, diverting tons of waste from landfills and fostering community bonds around environmental care.
Image from echo-news.com.au
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a valuable soil amendment. It enriches soil, enabling it to sequester more carbon and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Widespread adoption of composting could be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture.
What is Composting?
Image by Joke vander Leij from Pixabay
How to Start?
Starting composting is simple even for apartment dwellers. Put a compact bin in your kitchen to collect food scraps. On the bottom, lay a piece of brown paper bag or carboard, then add vegetable scraps, fruit peels and other organic waste. When the bin is full, pour the organic waste into a larger compost bin with a lid. Keep it in a shady spot on the balcony or in the garden.
Photo by Lenka Dzurendova on Unsplash
Greens & Browns
Successful composting requires balancing “green” (wet, nitrogen-rich) materials like food scraps with “brown” (dry, carbon-rich) materials like leaves and newspaper. Start with a brown layer to aid drainage, then alternate layers, maintaining a balance to avoid unpleasant smells.
Too much green material can make compost soggy, while too much brown slows down decomposition.
Image by Freepik
Compostable Items
Compostable items include: - Fruit and vegetable scraps, pasta, bread, nutshells. - Garden clippings, leaves, hay, grass, branches, wood chips, flowers, mushrooms, feathers. - Smashed eggshells, coffee grounds, teabags, seaweeds - Brown paper, cardboard. - Cotton, wool and stripes of natural fabrics.
Image by Freepik
Non-Compostable Items
Avoid adding to the compost: - Meat, dairy, fish and oils as they attract pests and create odors. - Glossy or coated paper, colored inks containing chemicals. - Non-organic materials and diseased plants. - Walnut shells, which contain toxins.
Specialty Stock photos by Vecteezy
Store your compost in a shaded, well-ventilated outdoor area to control temperature and moisture levels. Keep compost damp, similar to a wrung-out sponge. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top of food scraps to reduce smells and introduce beneficial micro-organisms. Cover the compost pile with a lid to retain heat, speeding up decomposition and killing pathogens. Turn it weekly to aerate and lightly water if too dry.
How to Manage Compost?
Beginner's Guide to Composting
Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
When Is It Ready?
Compost is ready when it looks dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, with no visible food scraps or large pieces. Depending on factors like temperature, moisture, and how often you turn it, compost can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months in ideal conditions. Worms can significantly speed up the process. They break down organic waste quickly, producing nutrient-rich soil.
Worm Stock photos by Vecteezy
Do you want to know more?
The potential of regenerative agriculture
The documentary Kiss the Ground explores regenerative agriculture as a powerful solution to restore soil health, combat climate change, and reverse environmental damage by promoting sustainable farming practices. Industrial agriculture practices like plowing, spraying, and monocultures has degraded soil, with 1/3 of topsoil lost since the 1970s. If this continues, deserts may spread, and by 2050, over 1 billion people could be climate refugees. The film advocates for the need to adopt methods such as no-till farming, crop rotation, and free grazing, encourage composting organic waste and promoting afforestation.
Kiss the Ground
Section 4. Home Food Saving Hacks
Smart planning, shopping, and storage reduce waste, while conserving and sharing excess food promotes sustainability. Growing your own food provides fresh produce, saves money, and strengthens your connection with nature.
Weekly Menu
Monday: Tuesday:
Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
Housekeeping Tips
- Create a weekly meal plan to avoid overbuying and use ingredients efficiently.
- Get creative with available ingredients by making dishes based on what’s on hand.
- Serve smaller, visually appealing portions to reduce leftovers.
- Involve your family in building a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.
- Shop with a list and stick to it, avoiding impulse purchases.
- Buy fresh items in smaller quantities to keep them fresh and prevent spoilage.
- Prioritize fresh seasonal produce from local organic farms that don't use synthetic fertilizers and support social causes.
- Buy wild-caught fish and catch of the day instead of canned one.
- To reduce your carbon footprint, walk to the market and bring your own recyclable bags and containers.
Conscious Shopping
The Impact of Your Food Choice
The Double Health and Climate Pyramid visually presents the link between nutrition choices and environmental effect. It shows it clearly: what is good for you, is also good for nature. Get beans instead of beef.
- Store foods properly to maximize shelf life and reduce waste.
- Use foods by their due date, starting with the oldest items first.
- Finish reserves before buying new products to prevent stockpiling.
- Preserve leftovers in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
- Keep track of what you have with a list on the fridge to avoid duplicating items.
- Freeze herbs, vegetables, meat and fish before they spoil to use later in cooking.
Food Storing Tips
- Conserve food in jars or containers to extend their usability.
- Use “ugly” produce that may be cosmetically imperfect but still nutritious and tasty.
- Repurpose leftovers into juices, smoothies, soups, salads, or casseroles.
- Make homemade stocks with vegetable scraps and bones to use every part.
- Share excess food with friends and neighbors.
- Donate the left food to local food banks or people in need.
Store & ShareWhat Is Left
Grow Your Own
A small garden can be a sustainable use of compost. Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint thrive in pots, as do vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. These plants not only enhance meals but also support sustainable eating habits. Growing your own produce reduces the need for store-bought items and minimizes packaging waste. Balcony gardening is accessible to those without a backyard, promoting a greener lifestyle in limited spaces.
Terrace Garden Stock photos by Vecteezy
“When we
throw away food,
we are throwing away people’s livelihoods
and the resources that went into producing it. Composting
is a powerful way
to respect that effort
and feed the Earth.“ Tristram Stuart, Environmentalist and food waste activist
SUMMARY
Let's pull together the main points from this micro-lesson!
02
Food waste generates 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change.
01
One-third of all food produced is wasted, which could provide two daily meals for all people facing food insecurity worldwide.
03
70% of food waste comes from households, where over-purchasing, improper storage, and large portions lead to unnecessary disposal of food.
Government and community sharing initiatives help recover thousands of tons of food globally, redistributing it to those in need and reducing waste.
04
05
06
Everyone can make a change by adopting small habits helping to reduce food waste and build a more sustainable future.
Composting prevents tons of waste from landfills, creating valuable resources like compost and biogas.
SELF-REFLECTION
1. Have you noticed any food waste issues or changes in food availability in your local area? 2. Are there any community projects or initiatives, like food banks or composting programs, that you could join to help reduce food waste? 3. How could you encourage others in your community to reduce food waste, such as sharing surplus food or composting? 4. How do your own habits impact food waste, and what changes could you make to contribute to global food security and environmental sustainability?
Now that you have gained a better understanding of food waste
and composting, here are some questions for self-reflection!
WELL DONE!
Congratulations on successfully finishing this training module! You've shown that learning knows no age limits. Keep up the excellent work!
RESTART MODULE
NEW MODULE
M5. Food Waste and Composting: a Guide to Sustainability
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Transcript
Composting Stock photos by Vecteezy
MODULE 5
Food Waste and Composting: A Guide to Sustainability
Let´s start!
Co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them - 2023-2-ES01-KA210-ADU-000179142
B-GLOCAL results are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Introduction
This micro-lesson explores the importance of reducing food waste and embracing composting. By addressing food waste at all stages—from production to disposal—we can contribute to global food security, reduce environmental harm, and enrich soil health through composting. Join us as we uncover facts, tips, and actionable steps to make sustainable choices in our everyday lives.
Photo by Del Barrett on Unsplash
Learning objectives
When you complete this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand the global impact of food waste on resources and the environment.
Learn how composting reduces waste, enriches soil, and cuts emissions.
Discover global initiatives that address food waste and promote composting.
Gain practical tips for reducing food waste through smart habits at home.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
Section 1. The Global Food Waste Impact
Waste generation is a growing global challenge, with billions of tons produced each year from households, industries, and agriculture. This waste not only harms ecosystems and contributes to pollution but also drives climate change and poses serious health risks through greenhouse gas emissions and toxic contaminants.
3.1 billion people worldwide are affected by food insecurity or hunger. This includes: 820 million, or 1 in 10 people suffer from chronic hunger. 2.3 billion people suffer from undernourishment or underfeeding. 45 million children under 5 years old have a severe form of malnutrition. In this one minute you to read this, 15 people around the world die from hunger or malnutrition.
The Other Side of Waste: Hunger
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
What the World Eats
Photographer Peter Menzel and writer Faith D’Aluisio traveled globally to document what 24 families from different countries eat each week. Their book Hungry Planet: What the World Eats reveals striking contrasts in food consumption, diet, spending, and accessibility.
For example, a family in Chad spends around $1.23 on staple grains and vegetables for a week, while a German family spends over $500 on processed foods and meats, while developing nations depend on fresh staples.
Titanic Food Waste
Nearly one-third of all food produced worldwide is going to waste. This is 1.3 billion tons of food lost annually - equivalent to the weight of 25,000 Titanics. This amount is sufficient to ensure 2 meals daily for all 3.1 billion people who are starving or facing food insecurity worldwide.
Where Food Waste Happens
Photo by Jacopo Maiarelli on Unsplash
Image by Tonny Mafole from Pixabay
In developed countries, over 40% of food waste happens at the retail and consumer levels.
In developing countries, nearly 40% of food waste occurs post-harvest.
Main Generators of Food Waste
The Cost of Household Waste
The average household wastes 30% of the food they purchase. When food is wasted, it’s not just the food itself that’s lost, but all the water, energy, and labor that went into producing, transporting, and storing it. The global food waste is estimated at nearly 1 billion Euro. And this is not the full cost.
Image by freepik
Food Waste and Climate Impact
Food waste contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When food waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane – a greenhouse gas that traps heat 25 times more intensively than CO₂. The energy wasted on discarded food could power over 500 million homes annually. Approximately 70% of freshwater globally is used for agriculture, much of which is wasted with discarded food.
Food production drives deforestation, harming ecosystems and causing significant biodiversity loss. Overuse of land for food production can degrade soil quality, leading to erosion, nutrient loss, and. reduced future productivity. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture pollute waterways, creating 400+ dead zones globally where marine life cannot survive.
Section 2. Rerouting Surplus Food
By rerouting surplus food from farms, supermarkets, and restaurants to communities in need, we can bridge the food gap. Food redistribution networks and food banks make it possible to fight hunger sustainably and efficiently.
Food Banks
The first Food Bank opened in 1976 in the U.S. and since then the concept expanded as a global network of 60 000 food banks in 70 countries. So far, they have collected 15 million tons of surplus food from farms, grocery stores, and manufacturers and distributed it to people in need. Similarly, in India since 2014 the Robin Hood Army of volunteers brought 60 000 tons of excess food from restaurants and supermarkets to 120 million malnourished people.
Saving Rejected Food
Rub & Stub in Denmark is the first restaurant cooking rejected food. Since 2013, it creatively uses surplus and rejected produce in its daily menu.
The "ugly food" initiative in the U.S. sells cosmetically imperfect produce at a discount, they have saved over 68 000 tons of food.
Individuals and companies can donate surplus food in 2000 community fridges globally for anyone who needs it.
National Incentives for Food Saving
In 2016, France became the first country to pass a law mandating that supermarkets donate unsold but still safe food to charities and food banks rather than discarding it. Italy’s tax incentive program grants tax deductions to companies that donate surplus food to charities.
Food Waste Recycling & Energy Production
South Korea's food waste recycling laws have led to a 95% reduction in food waste, making it a global leader. Collected food waste is then recycled into animal feed, compost, and biogas for energy.
In the UK food waste is also composted and turned into biomethane, used to make electricity for local homes and vehicles.
Image from straitstimes.com
Section 3. The Power of Composting
By diverting organic waste from landfills, composting avoids the release of methane, generated when organic waste decomposes anaerobically in landfills. Global composting could reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.4 billion tons annually, 4% of greenhouse gas emissions.
In Australia, community-based composting programs invite residents to bring kitchen scraps to compost hubs. Volunteers manage the compost and educate participants on sustainability. The resulting compost enriches local green spaces, diverting tons of waste from landfills and fostering community bonds around environmental care.
Image from echo-news.com.au
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a valuable soil amendment. It enriches soil, enabling it to sequester more carbon and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Widespread adoption of composting could be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture.
What is Composting?
Image by Joke vander Leij from Pixabay
How to Start?
Starting composting is simple even for apartment dwellers. Put a compact bin in your kitchen to collect food scraps. On the bottom, lay a piece of brown paper bag or carboard, then add vegetable scraps, fruit peels and other organic waste. When the bin is full, pour the organic waste into a larger compost bin with a lid. Keep it in a shady spot on the balcony or in the garden.
Photo by Lenka Dzurendova on Unsplash
Greens & Browns
Successful composting requires balancing “green” (wet, nitrogen-rich) materials like food scraps with “brown” (dry, carbon-rich) materials like leaves and newspaper. Start with a brown layer to aid drainage, then alternate layers, maintaining a balance to avoid unpleasant smells. Too much green material can make compost soggy, while too much brown slows down decomposition.
Image by Freepik
Compostable Items
Compostable items include: - Fruit and vegetable scraps, pasta, bread, nutshells. - Garden clippings, leaves, hay, grass, branches, wood chips, flowers, mushrooms, feathers. - Smashed eggshells, coffee grounds, teabags, seaweeds - Brown paper, cardboard. - Cotton, wool and stripes of natural fabrics.
Image by Freepik
Non-Compostable Items
Avoid adding to the compost: - Meat, dairy, fish and oils as they attract pests and create odors. - Glossy or coated paper, colored inks containing chemicals. - Non-organic materials and diseased plants. - Walnut shells, which contain toxins.
Specialty Stock photos by Vecteezy
Store your compost in a shaded, well-ventilated outdoor area to control temperature and moisture levels. Keep compost damp, similar to a wrung-out sponge. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top of food scraps to reduce smells and introduce beneficial micro-organisms. Cover the compost pile with a lid to retain heat, speeding up decomposition and killing pathogens. Turn it weekly to aerate and lightly water if too dry.
How to Manage Compost?
Beginner's Guide to Composting
Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
When Is It Ready?
Compost is ready when it looks dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, with no visible food scraps or large pieces. Depending on factors like temperature, moisture, and how often you turn it, compost can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months in ideal conditions. Worms can significantly speed up the process. They break down organic waste quickly, producing nutrient-rich soil.
Worm Stock photos by Vecteezy
Do you want to know more?
The potential of regenerative agriculture
The documentary Kiss the Ground explores regenerative agriculture as a powerful solution to restore soil health, combat climate change, and reverse environmental damage by promoting sustainable farming practices. Industrial agriculture practices like plowing, spraying, and monocultures has degraded soil, with 1/3 of topsoil lost since the 1970s. If this continues, deserts may spread, and by 2050, over 1 billion people could be climate refugees. The film advocates for the need to adopt methods such as no-till farming, crop rotation, and free grazing, encourage composting organic waste and promoting afforestation.
Kiss the Ground
Section 4. Home Food Saving Hacks
Smart planning, shopping, and storage reduce waste, while conserving and sharing excess food promotes sustainability. Growing your own food provides fresh produce, saves money, and strengthens your connection with nature.
Weekly Menu Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
Housekeeping Tips
Conscious Shopping
The Impact of Your Food Choice
The Double Health and Climate Pyramid visually presents the link between nutrition choices and environmental effect. It shows it clearly: what is good for you, is also good for nature. Get beans instead of beef.
Food Storing Tips
Store & ShareWhat Is Left
Grow Your Own
A small garden can be a sustainable use of compost. Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint thrive in pots, as do vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. These plants not only enhance meals but also support sustainable eating habits. Growing your own produce reduces the need for store-bought items and minimizes packaging waste. Balcony gardening is accessible to those without a backyard, promoting a greener lifestyle in limited spaces.
Terrace Garden Stock photos by Vecteezy
“When we throw away food, we are throwing away people’s livelihoods and the resources that went into producing it. Composting is a powerful way to respect that effort and feed the Earth.“ Tristram Stuart, Environmentalist and food waste activist
SUMMARY
Let's pull together the main points from this micro-lesson!
02
Food waste generates 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change.
01
One-third of all food produced is wasted, which could provide two daily meals for all people facing food insecurity worldwide.
03
70% of food waste comes from households, where over-purchasing, improper storage, and large portions lead to unnecessary disposal of food.
Government and community sharing initiatives help recover thousands of tons of food globally, redistributing it to those in need and reducing waste.
04
05
06
Everyone can make a change by adopting small habits helping to reduce food waste and build a more sustainable future.
Composting prevents tons of waste from landfills, creating valuable resources like compost and biogas.
SELF-REFLECTION
1. Have you noticed any food waste issues or changes in food availability in your local area? 2. Are there any community projects or initiatives, like food banks or composting programs, that you could join to help reduce food waste? 3. How could you encourage others in your community to reduce food waste, such as sharing surplus food or composting? 4. How do your own habits impact food waste, and what changes could you make to contribute to global food security and environmental sustainability?
Now that you have gained a better understanding of food waste and composting, here are some questions for self-reflection!
WELL DONE!
Congratulations on successfully finishing this training module! You've shown that learning knows no age limits. Keep up the excellent work!
RESTART MODULE
NEW MODULE