Food waste is one of the world’s silent crises – invisible day to day, yet immense in scale.
At Bukovel, we believe that awareness begins with simple, conscious actions. That’s why next year, the resort will launch a pilot composting program for organic waste – another step toward a circular, waste-free model.
Meanwhile, every September 29, the world observes the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste – a global reminder that how we handle food affects both people and the planet.
Why It Matters
Every day, 828 million people go hungry, while up to 30% of all food produced never reaches a plate.
UN data shows:
- 14% of food is lost before reaching stores;
- 17% is thrown away by households, restaurants, and retailers.
These losses account for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making food waste a major driver of climate change – alongside its human cost.
Goals of the Awareness Day
- Raise understanding of the scale and impact of food loss.
- Encourage responsible consumption and better resource use.
- Support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which calls for cutting food waste by half by 2030.
Food Facts That Shift Perspective
In the United States, more than $160 billion worth of food is wasted every year – exceeding the budgets of some nations.
Each wasted item means lost water, energy, soil, and human effort.
Globally, food waste is now the fastest-growing component of household waste.
Inspiring Solutions
France banned supermarkets from discarding unsold food – they now donate it to charities.
In the Netherlands, designer Elzelinde van Doleweerd created a way to make 3D-printed desserts from food scraps – turning bread crusts, banana peels, and carrots into delicate pastries.
What You Can Do
- Plan smartly: buy only what you’ll use.
- Store food properly: seal containers and maintain the right temperature.
- Get creative with leftovers: give yesterday’s meals a second life.
- Spread awareness: talk about sustainable eating with friends, family, and children.
- Support food redistribution: help charities that share surplus food with those in need.
Why It Affects Us All
Reducing food waste means:
- fewer people go hungry;
- fewer greenhouse gases enter the atmosphere;
- less strain on water and land resources;
- lower costs for households and businesses;
- progress toward a truly circular economy.
The International Day of Awareness isn’t just a date – it’s a call to rethink our daily habits and make conscious choices.
Next time you’re at the supermarket or planning a meal, pause for a second. Think about the journey your food has taken – and make sure none of it goes to waste.
As part of the “Children for Sustainable Development” program, Bukovel’s Office of Sustainable Development continues holding eco-lessons for local schools. After Polianytsia, the next meetings will take place in Yablunytsia.