Up to 50 million tons of fruit and vegetables are wasted in Europe alone because of their ugly appearance. Meanwhile, 1/10 of the world’s population is still hungry. This contrast really makes us rethink the way we use resources.
The world has never been free from hunger, especially in poor and underdeveloped countries. But in many Western countries, specifically Europe, up to a third of fruits and vegetables cannot be on the shelves and reach the consumer just because they look bad .
Just because they look ugly, Europeans throw away up to 50 million tons of vegetables every year.
According to scientists at the University of Edinburgh, UK, this is a serious waste and has a significant impact on food security.
If we live near the source of fruit and vegetable production, for example in the countryside or on farms, of course we do not worry about the lack of such food. However, in many places where there is no source of arable land, discarding lead fruits and vegetables because they are not beautiful in appearance is a waste worthy of condemnation.
In many cities and large urban areas, when people buy vegetables and fruits in supermarkets, most often choose only vegetables or fruits with good-looking and good-looking appearance . That’s why many supermarkets do not accept “bad” fruits from farms.
Disposing of lead fruits and vegetables because they are not beautiful in appearance is a waste worthy of condemnation.
It is estimated that more than 50 million tons of fruits, vegetables and fruits are mercilessly thrown away, in Europe alone. This amount of wasted vegetables is equivalent to the carbon emissions emitted by nearly 400,000 cars. The main reason still comes from the tastes of customers and the requirements of supermarkets.
Of course, these 50 tons of vegetables and fruits are not completely discarded, but they are often used to make fertilizer or animal food. Sometimes they are also sold to the public but at a lower price because of their bad shape. However, the amount of fruit and vegetables that are thrown away and not used is still very large.
Farmers always know that their fruits, vegetables, and vegetables may not grow as they should, simply due to the influence of nature. Therefore, they actively plant more to have enough supply for supermarkets. If there is not enough quality supply, the price of vegetables and fruits will become more expensive and cause a waste of human resources and land resources.
Can people do anything to change this? Of course yes, the first must be a change of perception .
Even though vegetables are bad, they still have enough nutrients and taste just like any other healthy vegetable.
People need to understand that vegetables are a bit ugly in appearance but still have enough nutrients and taste like any other healthy vegetables. On top of that, buying such vegetables is considerably cheaper than the selection.
Instead of disposing into the environment, making use of ugly vegetables and fruits to make processed and canned foods is also very effective because it saves resources and brings profits.
Stephen Porter, a member of the research team at the University of Edinburgh believes that changing people’s perception of the form of fruits and vegetables will help cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the impact of agriculture on climate. and increase the food supply for humans.