An annual program organized by UNEP (United Nations Environment Protection,) the World Environment Day falling on June 05, is back this year with the theme Think.Eat.Save. The
theme focuses on not wasting food, as it seen that it takes a lot of effort to
produce the food which in turns reflects to the amount carbon emissions
produced. The UN Food and Agriculture estimates that about 1.3 billion tonnes of
food is disposed off. Considering that amount of food wasted, it is possible to
feed an entire continent of people for several years.
With a global population of 7 billion and growing, needing
to feed such a population has been a burden on natural resources. The UN’s Food
and Agriculture estimates that one third of the world’s food is wasted or lost.
There are places in the world where people starve of hunger and are not able to
have a proper three square meal. So imagining that 1.3 billion tonnes of food
are wasted, this year’s theme seems very appropriate Think.Eat.Save.
It is not only about saving food but considering the fact of
preserving other resources when consuming food. One of major requirements of
producing food is water. I found an article from the Guardian published this
year January indicating how much water is required to produce common food stuff.
As I went through the article, it seems we waste a lot more water and I mean a
lot. For example to produce 1 kg of chocolate, 17,196 litres of water is used.
So now do the math, 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted and multiple the amount
of water wasted.
On the top of that, the production, manufacturing, shipping
and transportation of food lead to a massive trail of carbon footprint. I again
say, this year’s theme is about thinking before you eat, then eat and finally
save/protect the environment.
They have created some interesting posters with facts for
those of you who want to see, check it out.
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