This year, the week of 16-24 November is dedicated to initiatives to increase young people's knowledge about proper waste management, which will be carried out by the regional divisions of the Ministry of Environment and Water with children, pupils and students within the framework of the European Week for Waste Reduction. The leading theme of the campaign in 2024 is “Food waste”.

Food waste is considered to be all food (including beverages) and related inedible parts that are removed from the food supply chain for people in the following sectors: food production, food retail, food services, and households.

Every year, European Union countries produce over 59.2 million tonnes of food waste, which is 132 kg per capita. The problem facing European Union member states has both economic and environmental impacts. Food waste in Europe is estimated to be worth €132 billion. Food waste impacts greenhouse gas emissions, land use, biodiversity, water resources, and energy consumption.

Globally, one third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), around 931 million tonnes of food waste were produced in 2019, representing 17% of total global food production. But at what point does this food become waste? The majority of food waste is generated in households (more than half of the food waste produced), in public catering establishments (restaurants, catering) and in retail trade (supermarkets, shops).

The European Week for Waste Reduction encourages participation by municipalities, schools, non-governmental and business organizations, engaging people in initiatives and practical activities to reduce, collect separately, and prevent the disposal of food waste.

More information can be found on the official campaign website: https://ewwr.eu/thematic_focus/2024-food-waste/