Eliminating food waste in order to reduce environmental impact and controlling the increasing temperature of our planet. These are some of the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, ambitious goals because they aim to reduce food waste along the entire supply chain, from production to the final consumer. Three goals of the Agenda are dedicated to the theme: Goal 2 (Defeating hunger), Goal 3 (Health and well-being) and Goal 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

February 5th is the Italian National Day of Prevention against Food Waste: an important moment to remember that throwing away the food we don’t eat not only has ethical, social and economic implications but also contributes to global pollution. It is responsible for 4.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere as well as 180 billion cubic meters of water consumption. Dizzying figures that are added to those that emerged from the data of the Food Waste Index Report 2021, produced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): food waste is a problem with worldwide repercussions and dimensions, weighing 931 million tons each year. And 61%, responsible for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is generated within the home. Included among the many topics of COP26, the proper use of food resources has a weight that can not be ignored but that should inspire new models of sustainable consumption and purchasing, starting from the daily habits in our homes.

Millions of people do not eat to feed themselves but to define themselves, in many different ways. People who have an overwhelming interest in food, for example, call themselves foodies. A term that of 1987, became more widely used, when a New York Times journalist, tired of the cacophonous “gastronaut,” began talking about foodies to describe enthusiasts.

However, as obsessed as we are with food today (just think of the endless amount of television programs about cooking that are out there), wastefulness is not good for anyone.

Responsible consumption and production, in particular, aim to “do more and better with less,” increasing the benefits that can be derived from economic activities. To make this possible, it is necessary to adopt a systematic and cooperative approach among the players in the supply chain. Creating a network of connections between producer, farmer and consumer is precisely why the ITA0039 APP was created. Among the objectives of the application: to raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles, offering adequate information on the origin of products purchased, quality and labels, involving consumers in the activity of support and protection of Made in Italy. A continuous work of divulgation and sensitization, because we are convinced that the most dangerous waste is the one we are not able to recognize.