Claire Kneller: Trash Talk — Complex Landscape of Household Food Waste | On the House #61

The supply chain plays a significant role in food waste, with households being just one contributing factor. When you look at the broader context of the food supply chain, it becomes clear that waste occurs at multiple points, beginning with primary production. For example, although Australia produces enough food to feed 60 million people, a significant portion of this food never leaves the farm. This happens due to various factors, including pests, diseases, unfavorable weather, and cosmetic standards set by retailers. Additionally, the lack of proper contracts between farmers and buyers further adds to the issue.

Moreover, the cold chain is another critical factor, especially in a country like Australia, where its vast size and hot climate make food preservation a challenge. Unfortunately, limited cold chain capacity, combined with poor practices such as leaving refrigerated transport doors open during unloading, only exacerbates the problem.

Furthermore, retailers and manufacturers contribute significantly to food waste throughout the supply chain. They influence waste not only by setting cosmetic standards and determining prices but also by shaping consumer behavior through packaging, date labeling, and storage advice.

On the household level, there are several practical strategies to reduce food waste. For example, setting the fridge to 5°C or below can help extend the shelf life of many foods. Additionally, meal planning proves to be an effective way to avoid unnecessary purchases. It encourages intentional shopping, as well as checking existing food supplies before going to the store. A handy trick is to take quick photos of your fridge and pantry shelves so you can easily check your inventory while shopping.

In addition, proper storage of fresh produce can make a big difference; for instance, refrigerating fruits like apples can extend their shelf life by up to eight times. Similarly, embracing the freezer is a great way to reduce waste—items like bread, cheese, milk, and even leftover wine can be frozen for future use.

Finally, online resources or AI tools can offer creative ways to repurpose leftovers by suggesting recipes based on what’s on hand. It’s also crucial to understand the difference between “use by” and “best before” dates, as food is often still safe to consume after the latter.