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Over a billion meals are thrown away every day, despite famines and people starving. The United Nations recently reported that households are responsible for 60 per cent of food waste. Restaurants and food services waste 28 per cent and shops waste 12 per cent. The Maldives has the highest household food waste per person, at around 260 kilograms annually. Globally, food waste accounts for 8 to 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. As trashed food decomposes in landfills, it releases dangerous greenhouse gases like methane. This accelerates global warming.
People, businesses and governments can take steps to reduce food waste. People should plan meals, prepare shopping lists, and purchase only what they need. They should store food correctly and freeze surplus portions. They should also turn leftovers into new dishes. Restaurants and supermarkets also have a big part to play in reducing food loss. They can donate surplus food to people in need. The UN said: "Every meal rescued, shared or never wasted is food put to better use." Reducing waste would save money, improve food security and help climate change.
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