Environmental Impacts of Food Loss and Waste: Land Degradation

Abstract

Food waste and loss have a negative impact on the environment, namely on water, land, energy and other natural resources used to produce non-consumable products. According to the results of an empirical study, the present study establishes the degree of land resource degradation resulting from food loss and waste and adequately identifies potential environmental benefits from reducing food loss and waste for agricultural land use would be discussed further. Methods: The authors’ methodological approach for assessing the impact of food loss and waste on the degradation of land resources is based on the following principles: objectives, unity, systematicity, scientific knowledge, and maximum informativeness. In accordance with the purpose of the study and the above principles, an appropriate system of indicators has been developed. The methodology proposed by FAO in Ukraine was used to calculate food loss and waste. The obtained results are of great importance in the formation of food security policy based on sustainable land use development in Ukraine. First, it is empirically proven that zero food loss and waste on grains, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, meat and milk can significantly reduce the burden on land resources. Secondly, the reduction of food loss and waste has positive economic consequences.