Dubai has launched a campaign to fight food wastage, an effort which must be backed by all sections of society if it has to bear fruit.
The figures are staggering — one-third of the food produced in the world gets wasted and GCC countries are among the world’s top generators of food waste. At the same time more than 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 (Dh9.20) a day — half of them in extreme poverty. While children are constantly reminded about the importance of not wasting food and being thankful for what is on the plate, many times this lesson must be shared by adults too.
Food wastage must be fought on multiple fronts — from better stock management, food storage and transport to deciding what goes on to the plate — and involves every human being. It is also an attitude that begins at home — with buying just what you need and not hoarding, cooking what is enough for the family and partaking of what you can eat.
Children must be taught at home and in schools that food and water are resources which cannot be taken for granted. Reducing waste will save not only resources but also money, both for individuals and the country. As we mark World Food Day (October 16), it is definitely time to take action.
‘Waste not, want not’ is not just an old saying. It is pertinent all the more today in a world where some people do not think twice before throwing food in the garbage can. Dubai has taken the first step to fight food wastage. It is now up to us to ensure that the effort does not go to waste.
