#food: Something that all living organisms eat or absorb to keep themselves alive.
The use of biodegradable materials from renewable resources over synthetic ones is one evident solution to reduce pollution and head towards sustainability.
But what happens when biodegradable substances become pollutants? And, how does it happen?
Many of us have had the experience of opening the refrigerator door and pulling out the remains of a dinner spoiled and gone to waste. Or, ordering more than required at the restaurant or for a party, which ends up with the trash full of uneaten food and regret.
According to the @fao (UN Food & Agriculture Organization), 30% of food is wasted globally across the supply chain. @washingtonpost
One-sixth of methane emissions are released from the food in landfills, a major contributor to climate change. Along with uneaten food, landfills also include seeds and skins of fruits & vegetables that we throw every day.
Therefore, the problems of pollution can be narrowed down to individual habits of waste and waste management
Studies by the @bbcnews suggest two small behavioral changes that can create a big impact
1. Do not indulge in over-buying: It is important for us to switch from buying in excess or hoarding to buying "enough", with the thought that you can always buy more.
In addition, a study by @bbcnews suggests, "From what we currently have in our kitchen we could feed five persons instead of four if we don't waste.”
2. Composting: From the water, we drain after washing fruits, vegetables, and grains, to the peels we throw, all of it can be put back in the system through composting. The benefits are evident and abundant. Organic matter acts as a natural fertilizer to produce a healthy plant, without harmful chemicals in the soil that is often responsible for the loss of nutrients in fruits & vegetables.
Small steps, big impact.
It All Starts With You!
Illustrated by Synesthesia Collective
Author: Natasha Khurana
Sources: BBC News, UN Food & Agriculture Organisation, & Washington Post