10.5 Billion Tonnes of Food Are Wasted Every Year
From family kitchens to the global climate, food waste is quietly reshaping our world.
This website uses data, research, and case studies to help you understand the reality of food waste.
Massive Scale
About 1.05 billion tonnes of food are wasted each year — 19% of total production.
Households Lead the Waste
More than 60% of edible food waste happens at the household level.
Far-reaching Impact
Food waste also squanders water, energy, and land, producing around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Global Context of Food Waste
Food waste is not only an economic issue but also an environmental and social one. According to UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report, around 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted globally in 2022, with households responsible for about 60%.
“ I must emphasize that food waste is not only about economic loss — it is fundamentally about the future of our planet, intertwining environmental, social, and everyday human concerns. ”
Impacts of Food Waste
Food waste has far-reaching consequences across the environment, economy, and society.
Environment
- Generates 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- Wastes land, water and energy resources
Economy
- Estimated loss of $1 trillion annually
- Increases waste management costs
Society
- Hundreds of millions face hunger while food is discarded
- Highlights inequalities in food systems
Did You Know?
Food waste is not just about throwing away a bit of food—it’s connected to environmental, economic, and social systems. These surprising facts may change the way you see what’s in your kitchen.
- If food waste were a country, it would be the 3rd largest emitter after China and the US.
- About 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from wasted food.
- Households are the main battleground—around 60% of edible waste occurs at home.
- Around 41 tonnes of food are wasted worldwide every second.
“ I was shocked when I realized the amount of food my family wasted in a month could feed a person for weeks. ”
“ We often overlook the forgotten items in our fridge, but they also contribute to climate change. “
FAQs
Why does most food waste happen at home?
Households are the primary sites of food consumption. Unplanned shopping, poor storage, forgotten ingredients, and confusion between “best before” and “use by” dates lead to significant amounts of edible food being thrown away.
How is food waste related to climate change?
Wasted food wastes land, water, and energy, and releases methane during decomposition—accounting for around 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Which types of food are most commonly wasted?
Fruits, vegetables, bread, and cooked meals are among the most commonly wasted foods. They spoil quickly and are often thrown away due to poor storage or being forgotten.
What’s the difference between “best before” and “use by” dates?
Best before” refers to quality—the food may still be edible after the date. “Use by” refers to safety—food should not be consumed after this date due to health risks.
Can individual actions really reduce global food waste?
Yes. Research shows that better planning, proper storage, and increased awareness can significantly reduce household waste. Small collective changes have a major global impact.
Why is raising public awareness so important?
Because waste often occurs unconsciously through habits. Education and awareness help people understand the real cost of waste and change their behaviors accordingly.