| Reduce Food Wastage |
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| Tuesday, 08 June 2010 12:18 |
 Food is precious, yet the irony is that a study found that 1/3 of food purchased in the UK ends up in the trash. Although no similar study has been conducted in Malaysia, one only needs to look at the amount of uneaten food left behind in restaurants to realize that Malaysians too waste food prodigiously.Wasted food ends up in landfill sites. When the food matter breaks down, it releases massive amounts of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. At the same time, Malaysia is rapidly running out of landfill space. Taking steps to reduce food wastage is not only good for housekeeping purposes, it also helps the environment in a big way. If the country needed to produce or import 15% less foodstuff, for instance, there will be a corresponding reduction in pollution levels, the destruction and over-harvesting of our natural resources, transport costs and packaging. These are ways in which you can take action to reduce food wastage when eating out, entertaining at home or attending an event where food will be served: 1. Bring home your uneaten portions after a meal out. Try not to use Styrofoam. Bring your own reusable container or ask for waxed paper, reusable plastic containers or paper bags to take away your food in. Then jot down the date the meal was prepared on the packaging or leave a note for yourself on the refrigerator door. Once you keep track of when your food was prepared or purchased, it will be easier for you to remember to eat it before it goes bad. 2. Banquets are the bane of modern society. If you or someone you know is having a wedding function, please try not to have an 8-course dinner. Most guests will skip 'stages' and consequently, much of the food will be thrown away. Instead, opt for a light buffet. Food left on serving trays can be packed up and taken home by guests or waiters, or even given to the less privileged. 3. A traditional mindset is not always good. The Chinese often take a clean plate as an indication of a poor hostess. If you are the host or hostess, do not encourage food wastage and do not insist that your guests have more food when they refuse. If you are the guest, explain to the hostess that although you enjoy her food very much, you really cannot have any more and you do not wish to waste food. 4. When organizing a party, offer fewer choices so that whatever is served is more likely to be finished. For instance, don't serve cupcakes and Swiss roll when there is a birthday cake. A good idea is to have a themed party, such as a 'pizza party' or a 'tapas party'. This limits the variety of food you have to purchase or prepare and can be a novel and interesting experience for your guests without making you seem like a stingy host. 4 – 5 varieties of food, and 1 choice of beverage are adequate. 5. When eating out, order the smallest portion and finish it before you order something else. Too many people order and pay for 'side dishes' and 'appetizers' that are later not finished. Whenever possible, share with a friend or family member. Do not let children order meals that you know they are unable to finish. 6. It is easy to get persuaded into ordering a set meal or a 'value meal' when eating out. Unless sharing with a friend or very certain that you can polish off a set meal on your own, always order ala carte. Never shop for food when you are hungry, because you will then be tempted to buy the largest set in the mistaken belief that you need it and will be able to finish it. 7. When organizing a party or potluck, have a ready supply of reusable containers, waxed paper or Eco Pak for guests to bring the excess food home. This prevents you from overstocking your refrigerator with several days' worth of leftover food that will eventually be thrown out. 8. High teas and weekend buffets are popular among the well-to-do. However, please consider the environment before overloading your plate and leaving uneaten portions to be thrown out. Remind yourself that food is precious and that there are many starving people in the world. You may have paid for the food but Mother Nature pays the ultimate price for your wastage. |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 June 2010 12:22 |