Food waste in Berlin: 11 tons annually in the trash!

Food waste in Berlin: 11 tons annually in the trash!

food waste is a topic that affects us all. Every year in Germany, 11 million tons of food end up in the trash, many of which are still edible. In particular, large cities like Berlin stand out negatively, as the online supermarket Motatos reports. Founded in Stockholm in 2014, Motatos has now also established itself in Germany and Austria and offers a platform on which saved foods are sold that do not make it into conventional supermarkets for various reasons.

The managing director of Motatos for Germany and Austria, Dominique Ertl, emphasizes that the range not only includes everyday food, but also unusual products from small brands. The delivery takes place comfortably up to the front door. However, the offer is not so comprehensive that it is sufficient for the weekly shopping, since fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables are not in the range.

background and necessity of education

The long -term goal of Motatos is a world without waste of food. According to Ertl, however, change begins in education about food and sustainability. Older generations in particular are often unsure about the best -before date (MHD). This only indicates when a product retains its properties, which is often misunderstood. A clarification of the MHD could have a significant impact on the buying behavior of consumers.

food waste is not only an ethical problem, but also has important ecological consequences. It causes around 8-10% of global greenhouse gases. If it is possible to reduce the throwing away of food and store it properly, you could not only reduce CO₂ footprint, but also save money.

political demands and European framework conditions

Dominique Ertl emphasizes the need for legally binding goals and more transparency from politics to move supermarkets to active action. The EU has recognized that food waste is an urgent problem. Every year around 60 million tons of food waste are incurred in Europe, which corresponds to an enormous value of 132 billion euros.

The EU is planning ambitious goals to reduce these waste: by 2030, food waste in production and processing should be reduced by at least 20% and in retail and in households by 40%. In addition, the clear labeling of date information is required to avoid misunderstandings. In March 2024, the European Parliament also spoke out for further goals that strive for a more drastic reduction.

a step towards the circular economy

Another essential point in the discussion is the promotion of the circular economy. State support is essential here: Companies should be legally obliged to donate excess food or to resell them. About 25% of the food lost or wasted in Germany never reach private households - a fact that is uncomfortable, but also essential for action.

the consumer: a key role is included inside. Politicians should not only fight the economic and ecological costs of the waste of food, but also create incentives in order to sharpen the awareness of the society for the topic. In this way, each individual can contribute to the fact that the plan to combat food waste sustainably also becomes a success story.

• 60 million tons of food waste in the EU.
annually
• they become active: store food correctly and consciously observe MHD.
• goal: implementation of binding political requirements for reducing food waste.
• reinforcement of education about food and circular economy in small and large.

Together we are strong! It is up to all of us not only to consume more consciously, but also to actively act against the waste.

For more information about the work of Motatos and their impact, you can visit [Motatos.com] (https://www.motatos.de/stories/spotlight/kampf- against Lebensmittel- germany-deutsche-vorreiter). In addition, the EU plans for reducing food waste are detailed to [Europa.eu] (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/de/article/20240318sto19401/weniger- Funeral-winged winge-masses---eu). Also visit [berlin-live.de] (https://www.berlin-live.de/shopping/supermarkt-berlin-uns-motatos-mitters- mhd-deutschland-wegstschmissen-aufhmissungs-tonnen-tonnen-id374481.html) for further exciting reports on food waste.