This article discusses the first observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
It highlights the scope of the food waste problem and the many benefits of addressing the problem, including ending hunger, ensuring sustainable food production and consumption, and fighting climate change.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This article highlights the need for action at all levels to address this humanitarian, food security, and climate change issue.
It links to several other peer-reviewed resources from the UN to provide tips and additional information.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the terms: stakeholders, rubbish, supply chain, and landfill.
Differentiation
Students may want to consider starting a food waste reduction campaign at their school or follow the link to the 15 tips identified by the UN FAO to bring awareness to the issue.
Another resource related to this topic is the video Food Waste.
Cross-curricular connections could be made with social studies classes when addressing the cost of food waste to families and the causes of hunger.
Scientist Notes
Students can explore this resource to gain good insights on achieving SDGs 2, 12, and 13 through taking actions to reduce food waste. The resource is valid and recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
