Cape Town, South Africa – In light of the upcoming holiday season, the City of Cape Town is advocating for a reduction in food waste during Christmas celebrations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate the environmental impact of waste, particularly in terms of its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
According to South African Government News Agency, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Urban Waste Management, food waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying the effects of climate change. Twigg emphasized that when food is discarded, it not only squanders essential resources like water, energy, and land but also generates potent greenhouse gases when decomposing in landfills. He urged residents to adopt smart shopping practices and thoughtful meal preparation to prevent overstocking and excessive consumption during the holidays.
The city provided several tips for reducing food waste:
Plan Meals and Shopping Lists: Residents are encouraged to plan their meals in advance and create detailed shopping lists to avoid overbuying.
Buy Locally and Seasonally: Choosing locally-grown and seasonal produce supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint linked to long-distance transportation.
Proper Food Storage: Correct storage of food can prolong its shelf life. The city recommends maintaining appropriate temperatures for refrigerated items and organizing pantries using the first-in, first-out method.
Portion Control: Cooking and serving controlled food portions can minimize leftovers and reduce waste. The city suggests starting with smaller servings and allowing guests to opt for second helpings if needed.
Creative Use of Leftovers: Exploring new recipes to repurpose leftover food can be an enjoyable way to prevent waste.
Composting: The city encourages composting at home to reduce landfill waste and produce compost that benefits plants and gardens.
Twigg also reminded businesses in Cape Town of the necessity to develop alternative waste disposal strategies other than landfill. Following the 2009 amendment of the Integrated Waste Management By-Law, every business in Cape Town is mandated to have integrated waste management plans (IWMP) covering all waste management aspects.