Seasonal surge in food waste during summer

As we enjoy more fresh produce and outdoor gatherings during summer holidays,recent data shows that food waste increases by nearly 30% during the summer months compared to other times of the year. This spike is largely driven by the peak growing season, which leads to a surplus of fresh produce, and the heat, which accelerates food spoilage.  During the summer holidays, when food waste is at its highest, it’s crucial to focus not only on reducing consumable food waste but also on properly managing non-consumable waste. For instance, while enjoying those summer smoothies and fruit salads, think about the banana peels, orange rinds, and other organic leftovers.  At The Waste Transformers, we believe that food waste, even non-consumable parts like banana peels and vegetable scraps, should not be considered waste but a valuable resource. They can be transformed into something useful, making our communities cleaner and more sustainable. 

Practical action you can take: 

One simple yet powerful action is to ensure that all your food scraps, including non-consumable parts, go into designated food waste bins. This ensures that organic waste can be properly processed rather than ending up in landfills. Take inspiration from our recent project in Portugal. In this municipality, we have set up a green waste park where food waste is collected from both residential and non-residential sectors, shredded, and processed in our Waste Transformer biodigester. This process turns organic waste into a valuable brown slurry, which can then be used for energy production. Our installation in Laúndos Portugal The visibility of our waste transformers in communities has also helped raise awareness about the importance of separating food waste. By placing waste transformers in accessible locations, we make the process transparent and educational, encouraging residents to participate actively in waste reduction. 

Why it matters: 

By actively participating in food waste separation and valorisation, especially during high-waste periods like summer, you contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. The organic waste that might otherwise contribute to landfill emissions can instead be transformed into clean energy and valuable natural fertilizer, directly benefiting the community. 

This summer, let’s all take a step towards reducing and transforming our food waste—because even the smallest actions can lead to significant positive impacts. 

About The Waste Transformers: The Waste Transformers is a Dutch cleantech pioneer, providing on-site innovative technologies to transform unavoidable food waste into sustainable energy and natural fertilizers, enabling local positive change.