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According to a wide range of different studies, there is enough food produced every year that absolutely nobody should go hungry. So why is world hunger still such a pressing concern for so many nations? Well, nearly one-third of all food produced every year, or roughly 1.3 billion tonnes worth, is wasted. Not only does that cost the global economy about $940 billion annually, but it also means that there are 793 million people around the world who are undernourished, even as you read this.

In Australia alone, it is estimated that nearly five million tonnes of food ends up in a landfill annually – that’s enough to fill over 9,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Food wastage is a pandemic across the country. Australians waste about $8 billion worth of edible food every year, with the average Aussie household throwing away around $1,036 – enough to feed a family for over a month.

In a lot of ways, we’re all responsible for this problem – which means that we’re all capable of fixing it too. Here’s how:

1. The “Grow Your Own” Era Is Upon Us

Australians love spending time outdoors, so it makes sense that one of the best ways to reduce your food wastage is also one of the most enjoyable: start growing your own food and pick only what you need for each meal.

Yes, planting fruits and veggies and sowing the seeds is more difficult than going to the grocery store. But being self-sufficient is an incredibly important quality in a resource-scarce era. Likewise, the food you grow will be naturally dense in nutrients, will be chemical-free and will be wonderfully fresh – especially when compared to those store-bought alternatives.

So not only do you get to reduce your food wastage by taking things into your own hands, but the end result is actually better (and better for you) than what you’d get at the grocery store. That’s the textbook definition of a “win-win” scenario.

2. Preparation Pays Off in More Ways Than One

Another great way that you can reduce your own food wastage involves better food preparation. Instead of waiting until an hour before you want to eat dinner to start thinking about the meal you’re going to prepare, sit down at the end of each week and plan out in detail what you and the family will be eating for the upcoming one.

Check your fridge and cupboards before planning so you know what you already have to work with. Check all labels to make sure you know what is close to expiring. Let this information inform what you choose to eat – cook with those expiring ingredients first to avoid wasting them and having to throw them away.

3. And Don’t Forget About Your Workplace

Finally, many people spend so much time worrying about food waste at home that they forget to put that same effort towards their work – the place where they spend just as much time every day as they do their house. It’s surprising, but it’s true.

To reduce food wastage at the office, first conduct a review to see what situation you’re really dealing with. The vast majority of all food waste at work is generated by purchasing, preparing, and wasting too much – so, work through these three areas. Sharpen your orders and reduce what you’re ordering to match what you still have available in terms of ingredients.

Finally, involve your entire staff and make sure they’re aware of just how important food wastage really is. Nominate someone to take ownership of your new “Food Waste” initiative and let them monitor progress proactively. Keep everyone updated on how they’re doing and celebrate their achievements to give them extra motivation to keep going strong! Remember that two-thirds of all food waste is generated by consumer-facing businesses, so a little effort here will really go a long way.

Tackling the Food Waste Problem, Together

Food waste is still a very serious problem in Australia – but provided that we come together both as a nation and as a society and work hard the way we always do, it’s nothing we can’t overcome. However, we have to want to do it – we have to see the value and understand the impact that a single person can make. Provided that we’re able to do that, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.