Wasting food is a crime and people get away with it because there is no law against it. Statistics disclosed by the Emirates Environmental Group show that food worth $4 billion (Dh14.71 billion) is wasted in UAE homes every year. At the same time, more than three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day — half of them in extreme poverty. While children are constantly reminded about the importance of not wasting food and being thankful for what is on the plate, this lesson must be shared by adults too.
Statistics show that one-third of all food produced for human consumption lands in the garbage dump. In some countries, grain, fruit and vegetables do not even make it to the plate because they are not stored properly. Reducing food wastage is an attitude that must begin at home — with buying just what you need and not hoarding. Children must be taught at home and in schools that food and water are resources that cannot be taken for granted. Those caught wasting food must be taught the importance of using resources well. Asking restaurants to reduce the size of servings and increasing food leftover donations to charity are steps that could reduce waste. Taking home what has been ordered in a restaurant and not consumed is another step to ensure that food does not land in the heap. Restaurants, especially those serving buffets, must also think about levying penalties on those who fill their plates only to find that it is too much to consume. At the end of the day, reducing waste will save not only resources but also money, both for individuals and the country. It is time to sit up and act.
