The bountiful iftar tables set during Ramadan unfortunately also increase food waste without us realizing it. While 102 kg of food per person ends up in the trash every year in Turkey, the way to reduce this waste is to adopt simple and conscious consumption habits in line with the essence of Ramadan.
ISTANBUL (IGFA) –
The month of Ramadan is a period that symbolizes abundance and prosperity, as well as sharing and conscious consumption. However, the increasing variety on iftar tables also brings food waste with it. According to the United Nations Food Waste Index, 8.7 million tons of food are thrown away from homes in Turkey each year, and it is estimated that each household wastes 102 kg of food per person annually.
Adopting simple but effective methods such as planned shopping, portion control, and utilizing leftovers is crucial to prevent food waste at tables set during Ramadan.
BİTKİDEN Board Chairman Ebru Akdağ emphasized that greater attention should be paid to consumption habits during Ramadan, stressing that conscious choices contribute both to the family budget and to the conservation of natural resources. Stating that one of the most fundamental ways to reduce waste is to plan shopping, Akdağ underlined that unplanned grocery shopping immediately before iftar and on an empty stomach leads to unnecessary food purchases and increases waste. Stating that storing leftover food properly is a critical step in preventing food waste, Akdağ said,
“If you think you won’t be able to consume your food within three days, you can freeze it and label it. Choosing frozen products and composting food waste are methods that will protect both your wallet and our world.” Akdağ emphasized that portion control makes a big difference, especially during Ramadan meals, stating, “Instead of preparing too much food at once for iftar, starting with measured portions and adding more as needed supports healthy eating and prevents leftover food from going to waste,” indicating that food waste can be reduced with simple and effective steps.
