Food waste is a major global problem, accounting for approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption. It is not only an environmental problem, but also an economic and social one. Food waste contributes to climate change, pollutes waterways, and wastes valuable resources. It also deprives millions of people around the world of access to food.
Chitkara University is a leading private university in India with a student population of around 7,000 students residing in hostels at the campus. The university is committed to sustainability and has taken several measures to reduce food waste in its mess and hostels. In the last few months, the university has implemented several programs and measures to achieve this goal and has achieved a 40% reduction in food waste by changing student behavior and training food serving staff. Here is a more detailed look at some of the specific programs and measures that Chitkara University has implemented to reduce food waste:
Tracking food wastage in different dustbins: The university has placed different colored dustbins in hostel mess to track down the exact components in food being wasted. This allows the university to track where, which kind of food and how much food is being wasted. The data collected from these dustbins is used to identify the most wasted products and to incorporate changes accordingly.
Reducing the amount of food prepared each day: The university has reduced the amount of food that is prepared each day. This is done by tracking down the exact number of students present in hostels on weekends using centralized application. The university also uses a variety of cooking methods that allow for smaller batches of food to be prepared.
Offering smaller portion sizes: The university now offers smaller portion sizes in its dining halls. This allows students to take smaller portions of food, and to reduce the amount of food that is wasted. They can again take the portions if needed but this reduces the overall wastage of the food.
Educational programs: The university has launched a number of educational programs to raise awareness of food waste and to encourage students to be more mindful of their consumption. These programs include on site visits to composting sites and awareness through posters.
Training for food serving staff: The university has trained its food serving staff on how to reduce food waste. This training includes topics such as portion control, food storage, and composting.
The university’s efforts to reduce food waste are having a positive impact on the environment. By reducing food waste, Chitkara University is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and reduce pollution. The university’s efforts to reduce food waste are also having a positive impact on the students. By learning about food waste and how to reduce it, students are becoming more responsible and sustainable citizens. They are also developing skills that they can use in their own homes and workplaces.
