food sustainability issues
global
climate change
change in precipitation patterns. e.g. droughts, floods. these damage and affect the growth of crops. which can lead to food shortages.
individual
society
community
consumer food waste
over-purchasing. supermarkets often promote bulk buying or offer discounts on larger quantities, leading consumers to purchase more food than they can consume before it spoils.
deforestation
clearing forests for agricultural expansion is a leading cause of habitat loss, which threatens countless species and leads to a decline in biodiversity.
high meat comsumption
the production of meat, especially beef and lamb, requires significant resources, including land, water, and feed. It also generates high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
food waste
over purchasing, buying more food than needed often leads to spoilage and waste.
leftovers, many people discard leftovers instead of consuming them, contributing to unnecessary waste.
single use plastics
packaging waste, opting for products with excessive packaging, especially single-use plastics, contributes to environmental pollution and waste management issues.
strict quality standards
Retailers may impose strict cosmetic standards on produce, leading to the rejection of imperfect but perfectly edible food.
marketing and advertising
advertising campaigns often promote food consumption beyond what is necessary, leading to increased demand and waste.
dependency on Imports
reliance on imported foods in many countries increases vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
educational resources
communities may lack educational programs and resources that promote food literacy, including cooking skills, nutrition education, gardening, and sustainable food practices
acceptance of waste
cultural attitudes and norms around food waste may vary within communities, influencing individual behaviors and organizational practices related to food disposal and recovery.
convenience stores
communities with limited access to grocery stores often rely on convenience stores that predominantly stock processed and unhealthy foods, contributing to poor dietary habits and health outcomes.