Filenews 23 November 2024
The Department of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, in the framework of the European Week for Waste Prevention 2024, and this year's theme entitled "Do not feed waste", organizes actions aimed at raising public awareness on reducing food waste.
Cyprus, according to 2021 European Commission data, ranks first in the European Union as a producer of food waste, with the average Cypriot throwing away about 294 kg of food per year, compared to the European average of 132 kg.
In 2021, food lost in our country exceeded 256,000 tons, with a significant part of them being suitable for consumption, it is added and at the same time it is noted that food waste is responsible for 16% of total greenhouse gas emissions from the European Union's food system.
Furthermore, the Department mentions that Cyprus, as an EU member-state, aims to contribute to the global target of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030, enhancing sustainable practices at the level of citizens and businesses, promoting information and public awareness actions, including the actions of the LIFE-IP CYzero WASTE Project.
He adds that in the framework of the European Week for Waste Prevention, the European Co-funded Project LIFE-IP CYzero WASTE, is organizing an information day "Don't feed waste" on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the cultural space, "Melina Mercouri Theatre" in Palouriotissa, where various actions will be presented regarding the reduction of food waste, while in collaboration with the Cyprus Chefs Association, a recipe booklet was created that utilizes leftovers, promoting the idea of sustainable cooking.
It also mentions that visits to supermarkets began on 18/11/2024 and will end on 22/11/2024 to inform citizens about food waste reduction practices, offering the recipe booklet free of charge and creating an informative video with practical tips to reduce food waste.
CNA
