Reducing Food Waste: Canada On Guard 

Sodexo Canada’s Second International Food Barometer found that 69% of Canadians are currently reducing food waste in their households. Simply put, food waste is food that is intended for human consumption that is not eaten. Food waste isn’t only limited to leftovers that are thrown out but also includes raw materials and produce lost in the harvesting process. This could also mean unsold food from stores, kitchen trimmings, plate waste, by-products from food and beverage processing facilities – the bottom line being that food waste is a significant hurdle towards a sustainable dining, and the more we can reduce food waste, the more we can improve our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. 

Steps to Waste Reduction 

There are many steps Canadians can take to reduce their own contributions towards food waste. Cooking leftovers instead of throwing them out goes a long way, no matter how tempting it is to order takeout. In fact, more than half of Canadians (53%) systematically cook their leftovers instead of throwing them away. Proper storage methods can make food last longer, and help leftovers maintain their nutritional value – 59% of Canadians are trying to improve on their food storage methods. Recycling food waste, especially by composting, keeps the circle of life going.