what about some fruits? If a fruit has an "unwanted" or "unattractive" appearance, do you release it and take another one that is more "pretty"? Perhaps we are not aware of what this small gesture entails. In 2020, each Spaniard shoots on average per year 31 kilos/liters of food.
We cannot afford to discard a fruit solely because of its appearance. Also, just because the fruit or vegetable is larger than normal, has little bumps, or bumps doesn't mean it's better or worse. Simply is different.
Food waste: 128 million kilos of food lost
The data is terrifying. According to a study from the year 2018 of the consultant Nielsen, Spanish supermarkets waste around 128 million kilos of fresh food per year. Almost half goes to waste. In addition, a recent study from the year 2021 ensures that the Present in several = 13% of the world's food waste comes from supermarkets.
For this reason, many initiatives have emerged to combat this problem. It is the case of Too Good To Go. This application consists of taking advantage of the food that is about to spoil. Customers buy "packs" for a very affordable price. In this way, instead of throwing away this food, it goes to a home. And there it will be consumed.
TRICKS FOR YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES #MAY ????
Start a new month full of seasonal fruits and vegetables. 🤗 Do you know how to take advantage of them? https://t.co/a7TgyTgHY8
Remember to consume seasonal products to also help the 🌏#LaFoodNoSeTira #app #TooGoodToGo pic.twitter.com/1nS95FhKrz— Too Good To Go Spain (@TooGoodToGo_ES) May 7, 2022
The food comes from all kinds of establishments. Restaurants, supermarkets, greengrocers, bakeries... It is this same initiative that alerts us to one of the reasons why food is thrown away. His report ensures that the main reason for the waste of fruits and vegetables is that "they are too ripe or have begun to mold". However, it clarifies that the 10% affirm get rid of them for "ugly or imperfect".
"imperfect" fruits
Noelia Alvarez, directive of Olive and Valgren Fruits and member of the committee show fruit he sees it with his own eyes. show fruit is the Association of Wholesale Entrepreneurs of the Central Fruit Market of Madrid.
En mercamadrid she witnesses this discrimination every day. She assures that businessmen "are very demanding, because their clients (consumers) do not like fruit with imperfections." However, she alleges that these are aesthetic defects "typical of the field". In fact, she remembers that this does not mean that the fruits or vegetables are bad. On the contrary, she thinks they could be even healthier.
"These aesthetic standards are responsible for a significant portion of the food waste bill." Noel Alvarez.
Talkual: fruits from the field to your table
To combat this thought of some consumers was born talkual. This initiative sells fruits and vegetables from “field to table”. All of them are characterized by not having such a perfect appearance. Eye, as is typical of nature, since it is imperfect. There are no automated machines or standard models here.
The organization is strongly committed to the proximity trade. Its co-founder, Oriol Aldoma, states that he has seen “pallets and pallets full of fruit with imperfections”. A) Yes, talkual travels the Iberian Peninsula to deliver boxes of imperfect fruits and vegetables to homes. Otherwise, they will most likely end up in the trash.
✨RESCUED FOOD✨
What a look this week's box looks like! And on top of that we already have the Melon🍈, Welcome🎉! The one we present to you in the boxes is of the Galia variety, it's tiny 🤏🏼 but very sweet, like a trinket 🍬 Who manages to find it 🔎 in the photo...? pic.twitter.com/s1o9gZOE6x— TALKUAL (@talkualfoods) May 10, 2022
The client has two options. You can choose a Talkual Box of between 9 and 10 kilos of fruit, vegetables or both from 22,95 euros. Or, between 13 and 15 kilos from 29,95 euros. Also, shipping is free.
What can consumers do?
As consumers we can do a lot. First of all, do not discriminate against a fruit or vegetable based on its appearance. If it is in good condition take it without hesitation. And secondly, support initiatives that fight against food waste. What talkual o Too Good To Go. You'll be surprised. And, at home, we can try to be more aware of the situation and act accordingly.
Plan meals, take advantage of leftovers instead of ending up throwing them away, etc. Oh, and don't forget when you eat out. If we have filled up very quickly and there is leftover food on the plate. Don't be shy and order it to go. More and more establishments have resources for this.
