Reducing food loss and waste to advance planetary sustainability

Reducing food loss and waste can contribute to solving global food security and planetary stability. In this sense, the aim of this work was to analyze food loss and waste and propose some alternatives to help solve this problem. First, the characteristics of food loss and waste are identified. Subsequently, the main factors associated with food loss and waste are analyzed. Finally, some alternatives that could contribute to reducing food loss and waste are proposed. Food loss and waste is a complex problem that affects all of society, and to address it, it is first necessary to know its magnitude precisely. The factors related to food loss and waste are diverse, but those related to the consumer and the lack of clear and affordable incentives to change behavior stand out. Several alternatives exist that can be easily and simply implemented with the potential to significantly reduce this problem. The prospects on food loss and waste if current economic, environmental, and social dynamics continue is alarming. The main problem lies in food distribution and consumption, not in food production. It is important to mention that effort, work, and collaboration from everyone are required, but above all, the population needs to understand the problem in order to generate collective awareness about food loss and waste.