Let’s Reduce Food Waste

by Irenia Jastisia

Let’s Reduce Food Waste

Small steps in managing food wisely can make a big difference for the environment, the economy, and food security.

Banten, August 18, 2025 – As part of a campaign to reduce food waste and food loss, Dr. Hendry Noer Fadlillah, STP., MP., a lecturer in the Food Technology Study Program at Universitas Lintas Internasional Indonesia (IULI), encouraged the public to value the food they produce and consume. The message was delivered to the residents of Sodong Village, Saketi District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, during a Community Service Program organized by Mathla'ul Anwar University Banten on August 18, 2025.

Food waste has become one of the world's greatest challenges in creating a sustainable food system. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), nearly one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted every year. This issue not only causes economic losses but also contributes to environmental damage and social inequality. In Indonesia, where food security and nutrition remain national priorities, reducing food waste is both an urgent necessity and a strategic opportunity.

Understanding Food Waste

Food waste refers to food that is still safe to eat but is discarded at various stages of the food supply chain, from agricultural production, post-harvest handling, processing, and distribution to household consumption. Unlike food loss, which mainly occurs during production and post-harvest stages, food waste mostly occurs during distribution and consumption due to poor storage, overproduction, or consumer behavior.

Causes of Food Waste

The main causes of food waste include:

Production and Post-Harvest: Inefficient harvesting methods, limited storage facilities, and inadequate cold chain infrastructure.
Processing and Distribution: Overproduction, poor packaging, and transportation challenges.
Retail and Consumption: Unsold products, excessive purchasing, and preparing more food than needed.

Impacts of Food Waste

Food waste has several negative impacts, including:

Environmental: Increases greenhouse gas emissions and wastes valuable natural resources such as water, energy, and land.
Economic: Causes financial losses for farmers, businesses, and consumers.
Social: Worsens inequality while many people still face malnutrition and limited access to food.

Strategies to Reduce Food Waste

Reducing food waste requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including:

Improving harvesting methods, storage systems, and logistics.
Implementing better inventory management, food donation programs, and packaging innovations.
Raising public awareness about proper portion sizes, correct food storage, and utilizing leftovers.
Promoting circular economy policies, waste-to-energy technologies, and innovations in food waste reduction.

Indonesia's Context

In Indonesia, reducing food waste plays an important role in strengthening food security and promoting sustainability. Collaboration among universities, industries, governments, and communities is essential. Educational campaigns, community-based programs, and strong public policies can accelerate behavioral change. In addition, developing value-added products from food by-products, such as animal feed and bioenergy, can help create a more circular and resilient food system.

Author: Dr. Hendry Noer Fadlillah

News About "Food Technology:"

IULI Peringati Hari Keamanan Pangan Sedunia 2026 dengan Webinar FSSC 22000 Versi 7 dan Keberlanjutan Pangan
by Irenia Jastisia
Langkah kecil dalam mengelola makanan secara bijak dapat memberikan dampak besar bagi lingkungan, ekonomi, dan ketahanan pangan.

Dosen IULI Bergabung dalam Kepengurusan PERGIZI PANGAN Indonesia
by Irenia Jastisia
Langkah kecil dalam mengelola makanan secara bijak dapat memberikan dampak besar bagi lingkungan, ekonomi, dan ketahanan pangan.

Dosen IULI Menjadi Pembicara pada Focus Group Discussion GAKOPTINDO
by Irenia Jastisia
Langkah kecil dalam mengelola makanan secara bijak dapat memberikan dampak besar bagi lingkungan, ekonomi, dan ketahanan pangan.

Other News

IULI Resmi Peroleh Izin LLDIKTI Wilayah IV untuk Pembukaan Program Studi Fisioterapi
by Irenia Jastisia
Langkah kecil dalam mengelola makanan secara bijak dapat memberikan dampak besar bagi lingkungan, ekonomi, dan ketahanan pangan.

Mari Kurangi Sampah Pangan
by Irenia Jastisia
Langkah kecil dalam mengelola makanan secara bijak dapat memberikan dampak besar bagi lingkungan, ekonomi, dan ketahanan pangan.

Kontribusi IULI terhadap Perubahan Iklim “Daur Ulang Pakaian Bekas”
by Irenia Jastisia
Langkah kecil dalam mengelola makanan secara bijak dapat memberikan dampak besar bagi lingkungan, ekonomi, dan ketahanan pangan.