Food Waste in Kuwait and the 'From Planet to Plate' Event

Kuwait ranks among the top 20 countries globally in food waste, with an alarming average of 751 kilograms wasted per capita annually. The country generates approximately 400,000 tons of food waste each year, and on average, each individual in Kuwait wastes about 95 kilograms of food per year, one of the highest figures worldwide. In response to this growing issue, Kuwait recently hosted an event titled "From Planet to Plate," a workshop designed to address food waste challenges and promote sustainable practices.

The event brought together chefs, food enthusiasts, and sustainability experts to discuss innovative ways to reduce food waste. Attendees learned practical strategies to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives, such as portion control to reduce unnecessary food waste and creative methods to repurpose leftover food into new meals.

One of the standout topics during the event was composting, presented as an effective solution to manage food waste. BioBins, an NGO specializing in composting, conducted live demonstrations showcasing how organic waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost. This process not only helps in reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills but also contributes to environmental sustainability by enhancing soil quality.

The government of Kuwait is actively working on a broader waste management strategy, with composting identified as a key component. This strategy aims to promote composting as one of the simplest and most effective methods to repurpose food waste, aligning with global efforts to combat environmental degradation. Considering that food systems account for 26 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, initiatives like "From Planet to Plate" are crucial in fostering eco-conscious habits and addressing Kuwait’s significant food waste challenge at both the community and governmental levels.