I welcome you to today's press conference "Ending food waste", co-funded by the Life FoodPrint project.
Food waste is one of the priority axes of the EU, but also of our own. It is a very sensitive and multi-layered issue.
Food waste is an environmental, economic, social and moral problem that we are called upon to solve.
As mentioned in the waste pyramid, our concern is to reduce our waste, and in this case to reduce food waste.
Looking at the latest statistics at European level, according to which it is estimated that each European citizen throws away around 127 kg of food per year, we can also consider the impact of these quantities on the environment, but also on society and the economy in general.
If we consider the quantities indicated by global research, we are talking about 1.3 billion tonnes of food going to waste, which could meet the needs of millions of people who are undernourished at least four times over. At the same time, they are a burden on the environment, since greenhouse gas emissions increase through the supply chain. In Cyprus, it is estimated that solid waste contributes to about 14% of Cyprus' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
At the European level, the transition to sustainable food systems is a priority and part of the European Green Deal. The "Farm to Plate" strategy has been adopted, aiming at a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food production, distribution and consumption system. It aims to reduce food wastage to 50% per person by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Rational management of organic waste is promoted through the Government's legislative framework and policies. One of these is the Municipal Waste Management Plan, prepared by the Department of Environment. An important measure is the establishment of a system of source separation and separate collection of municipal waste, including organic waste, as well as the implementation of the "Pay as I Throw" system as an incentive for citizens to reduce and properly sort their waste for reuse and recycling. The Regulations (CPR 292/2022) were passed by the House of Representatives in July 2022. Within the Regulations, it follows that, by the end of 2023, Local Authorities will have to develop a six-year local plan for the prevention of the generation and management of municipal waste within their administrative boundaries, and by June 2024 they will have to implement source separation and separate collection systems for their municipal waste, including organic waste, and the "Pay as I Throw" system.
A large proportion of food that is discarded is usually fit for human consumption, but unfortunately ends up in the trash.
Food is discarded as a result of our patterns of behaviour, lack of awareness, buying habits and various other factors. About a quarter of the food we buy for our own consumption is usually thrown away.
With a little awareness, consciousness and caution, food waste can be significantly reduced.
The Life Foodprint project, which was co-funded by the EU, with the Environment Department as a partner, aimed to raise awareness of food waste among catering and hospitality professionals, as well as consumers and the general public.
At the same time, various useful tools, educational and information programmes, good practice manuals for businesses and households were developed, as well as the FoodPrint awards to highlight businesses implementing good food waste reduction practices and as an incentive for other businesses to implement good practices.
The project has made a significant contribution to changing attitudes, habits and practices of businesses and the general public, and this can be seen from the results of the surveys carried out throughout the project, as well as from the positive response of consumers, entrepreneurs, local authorities, pupils and students and other stakeholders who have had the opportunity to learn about the project and its activities.
The project may have come to an end, but its deliverables and impact will continue beyond its end. We, as the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, in cooperation with the Department of Environment, will continue to promote this initiative to the best of our ability.
Within the framework of the Waste Prevention Programme prepared by the Department of Environment, in which various actions related to food waste are noted, a large part of the deliverables of the FoodPrint project are incorporated and adopted where possible, as well as promoted to various other stakeholders and partners.
In order to achieve this goal, the reduction of food waste should also be taken into account, which implies a change in our mindset and the practices that will be adopted.
The philosophy of zero waste and especially food waste is now a necessary concern for all of us, starting from the premises of the Presidential Palace which should be the mirror and good image of modern Cypriot culture in all its manifestations.
The philosophy of zero waste and especially food waste is now a necessary concern for all of us, starting from the premises of the Presidential Palace which should be the mirror and good image of modern Cypriot culture in all its manifestations.
Awareness of issues concerning the protection of the environment and the acquisition of environmental consciousness mirror the level of our culture.
By reducing food loss and waste, and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we can help fight the climate crisis and contribute to redistributing food to those in need and thus help eradicate hunger and malnutrition.
Solutions exist, as demonstrated by the FoodPrint project. All actors in the food chain can contribute to preventing and reducing food waste, from primary production to final household consumption.
In conclusion, I would like to thank and congratulate all the partners of the project, the Jupiter Group which was the project leader, the Department of Environment, Friends of the Earth, the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, Opinion & Action and Parpounas Sustainability Consultants for their contribution to the problem of food waste and the very important tools they leave as a legacy for use in this change we all expect and seek.
Congratulations again!
Good luck!
(MGM)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
