Exploring the economic and environmental effects of food waste in Uruguayan households

Abstract

Food-waste reduction could provide significant benefits in the transition towards more sustainable agri-food systems. Households account for a significant share of total food waste, both in emerging and industrialized countries. In Latin America and the Caribbean region, lack of data has been acknowledged. The present study explores household food waste in Uruguay, an emerging country, through food-waste diaries. Data from 142 households provided an estimate of food-waste quantity and composition comparable to those reported in developed countries. The economic value of food wasted monthly represented 11 per cent of the average per capita food expenditure. In terms of environmental impact, the average carbon footprint of household food waste was 0.15 tonnes of CO2 per person per year. These results highlight the need to develop communication campaigns and interventions to raise awareness of the multiple impacts of household food waste in Uruguay.