According to the United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], about one billion metric tons of food is lost or wasted every year globally. It is estimated that food waste is responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, much of the food that is thrown away is actually harmless to eat. Close attention to wasted food and change in our behavior are necessary for the reduction of unnecessary carbon emissions.
Food Waste
Process of Harvest and Supply
Food ingredients with low quality due to shape or existing flaws
Process of Distribution
Food that spoiled
due to improper storage.
Food that past the expiration date.
Agricultural products lacking freshness.
Process of Cookingand Consumption
Excessive amount of cooked food.
Leftovers, etc.
If food is wasted, all the efforts for its production, processing, and transport
become meaningless, and only the carbon emitted during the process remain.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Food Disposal
Carbon emissions during transportation and burial
Food Spoilage
Methane emissions
(Methane has 20 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide)
WeLoveU held the Empty Your Plate Challenge for a month in October
to reduce carbon emissions from food waste.
It means not to waste any food by finishing all of the food on the plate.
“One Clean Plate” at home, at work, and wherever we are!
Here are some comments from the WeLoveU members
who participated in this challenge to make a beautiful world.
🎀 Time Filled with Happiness, Joy, and Gratitude 🎀
Tak Kuan Wong from the U.K.
I had no idea how to guide children to empty their plates, but I was able to do it through the Empty Your Plate Challenge. Now my children understand the importance of finishing their food and they put it into practice. Thanks to WeLoveU.
Tak Kuan Wong from the U.K.
Sabine Eckleburg from the Netherlands
I’ve finished my power drink that contains turmeric, which helps me keep my body strong. This challenge seems small, but our behavior will have an enormous impact on the environment. I’m happy and grateful to be able to participate in the challenge.
Sabine Eckleburg from the Netherlands
Bernadette Elumbra from the Philippines
Emptying our plates not only makes us healthy, but it is even beneficial to our environment. This is a truly happy mission.
Bernadette Elumbra from the Philippines
🎀 Realizing the Value of Food 🎀
Angelica Huerta from the U.S.
Over one-third of the food produced in the United States is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce it and creating many environmental impacts. By participating in this challenge, I appreciated our food more. Through my active participation, I will change the environment for the better.
Angelica Huerta from the U.S.
Andrea Romina from Argentina
Emptying our plates is an action we can take for the environment. Since all the food contains the love and sacrifice of my mother, I will value it more and feel more grateful for it.
Andrea Romina from Argentina
Lily Nguyen from the U.K.
This challenge made me aware of the preciousness of resources. I’m making tangible efforts to reduce food waste.
Lily Nguyen from the U.K.
Kim Cho-hee from Korea
I had a habit of not finishing my food. But I didn’t realize that I was actually harming the environment this way. While preparing food with those I work with me and participating in the challenge, I’ve realize that every single meal is very precious. I would like to express my gratitude to the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation for this precious opportunity.
Kim Cho-hee from Korea
🎀 Determination for the Environment 🎀
Rachel Baterina from the Philippines
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Because of my hectic schedule in the morning, sometimes I am unable to finish the food on my plate. I will make efforts to ensure that no food is left.
Rachel Baterina from the Philippines
Kim Ui-suk from Korea
I put just enough portion of food on my plate and finished it all. I’m happy that I can help the environment of the earth this way. I will continue to empty my plates. Let’s protect the earth together. We Love U!
Kim Ui-suk from Korea
Pumacuro Ortiz Zahid from Argentina
At home I often prepare more than enough food without measuring the amount of ingredients. I felt bad whenever I had to throw away leftover food. This month, each member of my family set a goal to finish our food on our plates. We will continue to put it into practice, and help save the ailing earth.
Pumacuro Ortiz Zahid from Argentina
Sshkkc (ID)
It was not easy to finish all the food I ordered at the restaurant. This made me realize that I’d been wasting so much food without thinking about it. I decided to change my lifestyle. In the past, I took part in WeLoveU’s monthly challenge just because it was fun, but each challenge gave me much to think about. The challenges help me feel proud of myself and also reflect upon myself.
Sshkkc (ID)
Kim Jong-suk from Korea
I love trying famous restaurants. Sometimes, I order more than enough food and can’t finish everything. In order to participate in the challenge, I ordered a reasonable amount of food and I was able to finish all the food. I also tried cooking just enough food at home. The food waste has noticeably been reduced. I will continue to order and cook just enough food to eat for the earth.
Kim Jong-suk from Korea
🎀 Unfinished Stories by Pictures 🎀
