Fifth International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: A collective responsibility!

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, introduced in 2020 by the United Nations (UN), is an opportunity to recall, every 29 September, that the fight against food waste is a lever for action against climate change.

The ecological issues related to food waste are immense: 28% of agricultural land is exploited without purpose, not counting the huge quantities of water wasted every year. This represents the loss of 250 cubic kilometres of water, three times the capacity of Lake Geneva. In terms of CO2 emissions, the picture is just as alarming: Every year, 3.3 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere because of wasted food, most of which ends up in landfill sites.

Food waste occurs at every value chain stage, from production through processing and sales to final consumption. However, it is private households that generate most of this waste. In Luxembourg, households are responsible for 53% of food waste.

To mark the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture will emphasise the right things to do to reduce food waste.

Simple and effective "antigaspi" rules

This awareness campaign, which will run from 23 to 29 September, particularly on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture's social networks, will highlight eight effective golden rules for using food more responsibly. Indeed, the vast majority of household food waste is not the result of intentional consumer behaviour. It is rather a consequence of actions based on a lack of information, such as how to transport fresh products from the supermarket back home, or how to correctly interpret the different expiry dates. By following these eight simple tips on a daily basis, the informed consumer is able to reduce the amount of food thrown away.

• Shop wisely
• Give ugly veggies a chance
• Do not break the cold chain
• Stock the fridge correctly
• Store food correctly
• Check the shelf life
• Don't take too big a portion
• Be creative with leftovers

For Martine Hansen, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, reducing food waste is not only good for the environment, it is also good for morale and the economy:

Every gesture counts, and by changing our habits, we can all help to preserve natural resources and limit the impact of climate change. Together, let's make reducing waste a daily reflex for a more sustainable future.

Who will win the competition for the most original anti-waste recipe?

As part of the campaign, a competition is being launched to encourage households to submit their best anti-waste recipes by 29 September at the latest by emailing antigaspi@ma.etat.lu. The most original recipe will be published on www.antigaspi.lu. The winner will be offered a place on an anti-gaspi cooking course, organised in partnership with the École d'hôtellerie et de tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL).

Press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture