The environmental impact of food loss and waste (FLW)

Publication date: 23/03/2020
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: I. Higuera-Ciapara and R. Lugo-Melchor, Food Technology Unit, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C. (CIATEJ), Mexico; and L. O. Noriega-Orozco, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD), Mexico

Chapter synopsis: This chapter addresses how food loss and waste can impact the environment. It begins by defining what food loss and waste is and provides an overview of how food production can contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The chapter then highlights the problems for food waste accounting and the impact of food waste on natural resources. It also provides an overview of food waste in North America and provides a more in-depth analysis of food waste in Mexico. The chapter concludes by addressing the importance of decreasing the environmental cost of food losses and waste.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0053.05