Global food waste crisis impacts Poland and Bulgaria

Global and regional data highlight a significant crisis in food waste. According to United Nations reports, over one billion tons of food are discarded annually, contributing to 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While 645 million people suffer from hunger, a substantial portion of food is lost due to improper storage, transport, and consumer habits.

In Poland, approximately 4.76 million tons of food waste are generated each year, with households accounting for over 2.57 million tons. Recent reports indicate that 63% of Poles admit to throwing away food, a notable increase from previous years. Common reasons include expired products, unplanned shopping, and poor storage. Bread, fruits, and vegetables are among the most frequently discarded items.

In Bulgaria, the situation is similarly critical, with each citizen discarding an average of 96 kg of food annually. Data shows that 51% of Bulgarian households have thrown away food in the last 30 days, often due to product spoilage or over-preparation. In both nations, experts emphasize that reducing waste starts with better household planning and understanding expiration labels.