by Rumbidzai Mashavave
It is a resource- a means to sustainable living, food security and poverty alleviation. Our need to consume food on a daily basis, guarantees the availability of this resource to everyone, rich or poor, residing in a developing country or developed country, Though referred to as food WASTE- Ii is only waste because we cannot consume it as palatable food, but we can use it rather than dump it.
Food waste is everywhere…
The consequences of treating food waste as WASTE include air and ground pollution. To exacerbate the matter, In Harare, Zimbabwe the largest informal food market place has become a hub for food waste dumps which hinders food and nutrition security.
In India, landfills have become waste mountains and contribute to air pollution. Addition of an incinerator exacerbates the threat to public health of nearby communities.
ADOPT THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE FOOD SYSTEM.
Food Waste is not to be considered as WASTE to be discarded in landfills or incinerated, but instead they should recirculate as valuable input to other processes and products.
Adopting the circular economy in food systems then tackles cross cutting issues towards the realization of:
SDG12: Enforce sustainable consumption and Production Patterns resource waste
Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty.
Attaining this goal creates a strong foundation towards achieving:
SDG1: End Poverty and all its forms
Poverty is more than Just the lack of income and resources to ensure a sustainable livelihood. Manifestations include hunger and malnutrition.
SDG2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition to promote sustainable agriculture.
Food and agriculture offers key solutions for development and is central for hunger and poverty eradication
With all inclusive implementation of the circular economy concept, we can further realize:
SDG 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economy economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy.
SGD 9: Build resilient Infrastructure promote sustainable industrialization and Foster innovation
Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development- (UNDP).
Something inside so strong!
Watch out for Part 2: Using evidence to implement the circular economy in urban settings
