I have realized that the issue of food waste has aroused significant concerns since the world is facing pressing challenges of environmental degradation and global warming. The massive growth of the world population has increased the demand for food, which has, in turn, increased food waste. I have learned that a third of the food meant for consumption is wasted annually. The inefficiency in agricultural production has further compounded the issues that have raised global attention. Predominately, institutions of higher learning have been in the spotlight since they produce a high level of food waste due to the large population of the students. Therefore, my reflection focuses on food waste in colleges and critically explores the factors that propagate the problem. I will also offer different recommendations on various practices that relate to food waste.
Patterns in Food waste Disposal
As a student who hails within the compound of college, my food waste composed of excess food and food products. The volume of each food varied depending on the type of water, but the mode of disposal was the same. Notably, the school has provided bins that are labeled accordingly, to ensure that food waste is disposed of correctly. For instance, liquid food wastes were disposed separately from solid food waste. Besides, the volume of the food waste varied depending on the typed of food. For example, on the third day, I disposed of waste weighing 600g, which was leftover meat and spaghetti, while on the fourth day, my waste volume was 200g consisting of vegetable soup. More so, the reason for disposing of the food varied, although a large portion of my waste was due to expiry and inadequate storage facilities that plummeted the quality of the food such as milk and bread. On average, the cost of food waste amounted close to one dollar per day. In other words, my waste pattern is influenced by the type of food and the storage mechanism in the school.
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Factors Affecting Waste Produced
Undeniably, the food waste I produced daily was influenced by several factors. To begin with, the accessibility of the food was one of the factors that determine quantity of food waste. For example, the school canteen had to follow several rules set by the management regarding the food product they offer. This approach limited the food products, which we could access in the school and eventually influencing the food waste I discarded. Secondly, the price of the products determined the food I disposed. Markedly, students’ consumption is influenced by the amount of resources they have. For instance, I learned that students from wealthy families could afford certain food products, which may not be available to those from less fortunate families. In this regard, my food waste was closely associated with the amount of moneyI had. Evidently, the food access and prices of products were associated with the type and the amount of food wasted.
Additionally, preferences, time management, and gratitude have a tremendous impact on the amount and the type of waste discarded. For instance, having adequate time enabled me to seek more food products, especially those that were not available in the school compound. Moreover, the aspect of personal tastes influenced the type of product I purchased and, eventually, the food waste. For example, I like milk products and ice creams; thus, it hard to find such products as part of my food waste. However, in most cases, I am forced to consume bread since it one of the most popular products within the school, thereby forming a large portion of my food waste. Lastly, gratitude is a virtue that I have treasured for so many years. Therefore, I will rarely dispose of food products offered by my close acquaintances. Therefore, from my log, it is evident that food waste is primarily affected by the level of gratitude, time management, and personal preference.
Type of Food Purchaser
The amount of food purchased and the purchasing behavior of an individual determines the type of food waste. In particular, this brings in the aspect of planning, which has an impact on the amount of food wasted. I learned that there are several types of food purchasers, which affect the food consumption pattern. For instance, a budget-conscious individual creates a plan that guides them both on the amount and types of food they purchase. In most cases, such individuals have very little food waste since their consumption is within a particular budget. As a result, this category of individual disposes of little food waste. Comparatively, a meal planner depicts a high level of planning, which reduces the amount of food they discard. However, the aspirational purchasers are those individuals who buy food randomly. Predominately, their behavior is motivated by prestige and class. Consequently, they end up buying a large volume of food products that they fail to consumer adding to waste. I am a budget-conscious purchaser due to my limited level of resources, but once in a while, I tend to adopt the trait of the aspirational purchaser. Therefore, my purchasing behavior has an impact on the amount and type of food I discard.
Shopping, Eating and Drinking Habits
I learned that the food waste is influenced by the personal habits, such as eating, drinking, and shopping. Individuals that adopt controlled eating behavior produce less waste as compared to those who fail to implement such character. Similarly, the effect is noted by individuals with such drinking aspect. However, an organization that seeks to eliminate food waste has encouraged individuals to purchase what they consumer comfortably without wasting any amount. As aforementioned, the shopping behaviors have an impact on the volume of food wasted. For instance, a budget-conscious individual creates a detailed plan that guides them both on the amount and types of food they purchase. I also learned that such individuals have very little food waste since their consumption is within a particular budget. Hence, this category of individual disposes of little food waste. Comparatively, a meal planner depicts a high level of planning, which reduces the amount of food they discard. Therefore, I have learned that my eating, drinking, and shopping behaviors have an impact on the amount of food I discard
Impact of Logging waste
Waste disposal has an impact on the society in one way or the other. However, I have learned that the process of recording the quantity of food waste has an impact on my perception of food waste. To begin with, I discovered the substantial cost I incur as an individual. Previously, I was not concerned about the effect on food waste in terms of cost. The recording of waste, therefore, enabled me to realize the amount to the revenue I lose daily. Additionally, I realized that food wasted has a significant cost to the government and the society at large. Notably, the exercise allowed me to reflect on the annual cost we incur as a school due to food waste, which could be avoided. As a result, I have learned to appreciate the effort of the school that aims to reduce food waste. Additionally, I have learned that recording of waste increases the consciousness of the society, which could be instrumental in addressing this challenge. This exercise has taught me to plan well in order to reduce the food waste, and more importantly, reduce the loss I incur.
Impact of culture on Waste disposal
The issue of waste disposal has prompted a different culture in the society. Specifically, different agencies have focused on adopting the various measures in a bid to resolve the matter of waste disposal. For instance, schools have created policies, which must be followed by students in order to reduce environmental degradation. Additionally, the various levels of government have created policies that are based on the promoting a society that is aware of the ramifications food waste on the environment and the concept of sustainability. Therefore, in the school, most students are aware of the policies, which relate to water disposal, and more so, they have adopted a culture that ensures that food wastes are disposed of correctly. Arguably, the society has embraced habits that demonstrated a high level of consciousness on matters related to food and beverage disposal. Notably, the food package uses materials that are both biodegradable and reusable as well. Generally, the society has adjusted their habit regarding food and beverage consumption, which has reduced the food waste and, more so, develop a culture that understands the essence of the environment.
Christian Teachings
Religions have addressed the matter of the universe using various perspectives. Nevertheless, one common aspect of all religions is that creation is an act of a supreme being. Thus, spiritual leaders in different religions have endeavored to protect God's creations. In particular, they have become observers who are committed to preserving the environment, which is God Creations. Additionally, religion has brought the issue of the stewardship that gives human being a unique role in overseeing the Godly creation. The theory further suggests that man was created in the image of God, after creating other creatures. Notably, the story of creation puts Adam and Eve at the helm of the Garden of Eden, where he had all the authority. In this regard, the human being has the role of using God creation, but they have a more significant role of stewardship. In my opinion, I find the teaching of the Bible as justified as they elucidate the essence of taking care of the environment. In other words, protecting his creation is a sign of excellent steward and obedience. In the contemporary setting, having the proper disposal of food is a clear indication of stewardships.
Systemic Justice Issues
I have realized that manufacturers of the beverage and food have a significant role in controlling waste. Regulatory bodies have created policies that have to be followed in the packaging of food products. For instance, manufacturers have to indicate the volume of the food product, which allows the consumer to plan for the amount to purchase. In my opinion, the policy is vital since it allows consumers to plan the amount of food they need to purchase, thereby reducing food waste. More so, the use of reusable packaging material has reduced the amount of waste created by the food sector. Although the regulations have reduced the waste, such as polythene, more policies need to be created to address the issue of food waste.
Conclusion
The issue of food waste has raised concerns, and various agencies have developed policies to reduce the problem. My reflection primarily has focused on food waste by the student in a school. I learned that the amount and the type of waste were affected by elements, such as food access, time management, gratitude, price, and a person’s tastes. Moreover, the waste is influenced by the type of purchaser, the general culture of the society, and manufacturers. Religion has an impact on conservation of the environment, whereby religious doctrines presents human beings as stewards. In essence, the exercise has increased my consciousness regarding the food waste, and in the future, I will reduce the amount of food I discard.
Appendix
Four days Waste Plan
Monday, 14th October 2019
Breakfast: bread sandwich ( 2 eggs, sausage and fours slices of tomatoes) and a glass of apple
Waste; 2 slices of tomatoes
Cost: on swipe about $11
Dinner: assorted chicken with a vegetable salad, which was prepared with lettuce and Chinese cabbage
Waste; few pieces of the chick and cardboard container of chicken strips
Cost: $18
Tuesday, 15th October 2019
Breakfast: Bread Sandwich (a piece of bacon, two eggs, and lettuce ) and a glass of orange
Waste: the shelves of the egg and plastic gall that had juice
Cost: about $11
Dinner: Beef Stew, spaghetti and one class of soda
Waste; the plastics bottle of soda and beef wrappings
Cost: $25
Wednesday, 16th October 2019
Dinner: Beef stew, spaghetti, vegetable salad ( four slices of bread, cabbage, lettuce, and beetroots) and a glass of Coca Cola
Waste; plastic bottle and cardboard container of chicken
Cost: $13
Thursday, 17th October 2019
Breakfast: Bread sandwich ( Four slices of white bread, two eggs, bacon and a slice of cheese)
Waste: eggs shells and plastic bag the packed the bread
Cost : $9
Dinner: Assorted Chicken, rice, vegetable soup, and one glass of mango juice
Waste: the remains of the vegetable soup and the bottle of soda
Cost: $12
