Research Project: Global Food Waste
Jesus Lord of All – BBST 465
April __, 201_
Starting Points: Global Food Waste
Food waste around the world is an issue that is growing at an almost uncontrollable rate. This December, the New York Times reported that, “Globally, we throw out about 1.3 billion tons of food a year, or a third of all the food that we grow” (Sengupta, 2017). I distinctly remember reading this article this past December, and it had such an impact on me personally. As I read the prompt for the research project, I knew this is the issue that I needed to address. My passion is working alongside relief organizations in fighting world hunger, and it grieves me to see and hear about the tremendous amount of food that is wasted every year. The issue of food waste must be addressed on a global scale, as it has considerable negative social, economic, political, public health, and environmental effects.
My own assumptions are that addressing global issues, the issue of food waste is the clearest place to begin. This is because food is a foundational component to socioeconomic systems, and is vital to each human’s daily life. If there is a massive gap between food produced and food consumed, large quantities of viable nutritional sources and economic resources are being wasted, there will clearly be a tension placed on the economic system.
There is a very low value put on food in developed countries, especially in North America, as production has increased causing prices to drastically reduce. The lack of value on food creates a culture of wastefulness, as using all of the resources we have is not a priority. Entitlement and gluttony are the result, and negative impacts occur worldwide as pressure to produce massive quantities of food are put on growers and producers of food in order to increase revenue in the food industry. However, the cyclical nature of this problem creates significant inefficiencies in the food production industries, and focus is put on quantity over quality, thus cheapening the food even further. The cheaper the food is to the average citizen, the more likely they are going to increase their food wasting habits.
My initial beliefs and thoughts about this issue are to encourage developed countries to examine and control eating and waste habits. Seeking to create a cultural shift in how developed countries view food waste through education could be a beneficial effort in the long-term.
From an economic standpoint, there must be a greater overarching motivation given to those manufacturing and producing such high quantities of food. The New York Times article I had mentioned earlier states that efforts exist in several countries to reduce food waste. For example, France requires stores to donate food that would have otherwise been thrown out, that is still safe to eat. There are efforts made by European Union lawmakers to aim at reducing food waste by 50% by 2030 (Sengupta, 2017). I believe that in order to make any significant global impacts pertaining to this issue, there must be efforts made on a national or global scale, enforced by specific legislation in order to enact change from the source – the food retailers in developed countries.
Christians should approach this view from a multi-dimensional Biblical perspective. First we must seek to apply the principles of self-control. Gluttony is a sin that is rarely talked about in the church, but must be addressed and evaluated by Christians in the consumerist culture we live in. We must also keep the cultural mandate in mind, by seeking to rule and subdue the earth in a responsible way. This includes approaching agriculture in a way that produces good and safe food, but also doing this work in wisdom. The earth was created in a way that reflects God’s creativity and perfect design. There are cycles in which crops should be grown in order to produce the best food. We can honor God by striving for excellence in all things, and the agriculture industry is by no means excluded from this list.
This is an issue that requires the study of God’s Word and God’s world, because the issue of food waste is contributing to the destruction of the environment that God has given us. It requires the study of God’s Word, because we must seek to steward the resources we have responsibly, and seek to take care of both the world we live in and the people living here.
My understanding of what the best of human learning teaches us about this topic is that the earth must be cared for, and ignorance in tending the resources we have, specifically in food overproduction and widespread waste is detrimental to our immediate environment as well as the environment for generations to come. My understanding of scriptural teaching and Christian theology on this topic is that God has called us to “rule and subdue the earth” in the cultural mandate given in Genesis 1:28. We are instructed to take care of the earth, cultivate its resources, and glorify Him through the environment he has given us. This is not a license to be irresponsible and wasteful, but rather the opposite. As Christians, we must fight global food waste in a way that addresses the health, social, economic, political, and environmental factors, because it is such a complex issue, and the truths provided in Scriptures are integral in the fight against this problem.
Position Paper: Global Food Waste
Global food waste is an ever-growing issue, and the estimated 1.3 billion tons of food wasted every year are causing detrimental effects on health, social, economic, political, and environmental factors. In 2013, there was approximately four billion tons of food produced, and approximately 30-50% of that total food was wasted and lost (Fox, 2013). This presents humanity with a very clear opportunity to reduce that percentage and make efforts to feed the global populations in a responsible manner.
Causes of Food Waste
Research presented at the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology indicates significant gaps between amounts and reasoning for food waste between low income and high income regions. The low income regions studied were Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Central and Western Asia, South and Southeastern Asia, and Latin America. The high income regions studied included Europe, Russia, United States, Write my essay for me – CA Essay writer Canada, Australia, New Zealand, 论文帮助/论文写作服务/负担得起我及时提交我最好的质量 – China, Japan, and South Korea (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011).
It was determined that prevalent causes of food loss in the low income regions studied include poor storage facilities, poor infrastructure and transportation, lack of refrigeration, inadequate market facilities, and poor packaging. It was concluded that an emphasis on finding solutions should be put early in the supply chain in these regions (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011).
In the previously stated high income countries, the most commonly found causes of food loss included quality standards, food manufacturing, poor environmental conditions during display, lack of planning and limited focus on food waste, best-before dates, and wasted leftovers. The emphasis on finding solutions should be put late in the supply chain (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011).
Aesthetic defects were a common reason for food retailers to reject or waste food, especially fruits and vegetables. For example, if fresh produce did not have bright colors, had blemishes or spots, were broken, or were unusual shapes, large food distribution markets such as grocery stores put them to waste. Poor temperature management was reported to account for 55% of fruit and vegetable retail waste. Best-before dates accounted for 55% of food waste in UK households but further analysis showed that much of that food may still be good to eat, and the recommended date was not individualized for that particular food item (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011). A potential solution could include to increase focus in developed countries on greater individualization for best-by or use-by dates.
Recommendations for Solutions
Some possible solutions for low income regions can include public emphasis on local investments, education, improved packaging, and improved food market environments. This would be a task that either local or national governments can focus on in legislation, or can seek partnership with higher income countries through political action (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011).
Possible solutions for high income countries could include improvements in communication through supply chains, increased public awareness, increased public focus on consumer power, improved purchase and consumption planning, and education on the effects of food waste on socioeconomic, political, health, and environmental factors (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011).
Another area to analyze in the global food waste problem are categories of food wasted, and seeking individual solutions for categories that had significantly higher food waste statistics. In the research provided by the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology, it was found that some food categories had similar totals of food losses between low income and high income countries, and in others there were extremely different numbers. Greatest losses from this study indicated fruits and vegetables, as seen by the results in percentage, volume, financial and energy studies (Gustavsson, Cederberg, & Sonesson, 2011).
Health Factors
The astronomical levels of food lost wasted around the world, in combination with the millions of people worldwide who suffer from hunger and food insecurity create a dire need for action. Not only are these people suffering, but an estimated 7.6 million people also dying annually from malnourishment and preventable illnesses that are exacerbated to the point of death by such severe malnourishment (World Hunger Education Service, 2016). This is a vastly urgent problem, as this waste is aggravating global hunger issues, as well as having a detrimental effect on both the environment through greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the economy by promoting inefficiency in economic priorities and allocation of resources.
Studies conducted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers project that in the near future there will be substantial population growth, and indicate that by 2075 the global population will reach 9.5 billion. This will naturally create an increased demand for the basic needs of food, water, and shelter to be met. According to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a 70% increase in agricultural output will be necessary in order to meet the projected increase in food demands, and this is only to meet the basic human needs and keep people from falling into malnutrition (Fox, 2013). If the trends of waste in higher income countries continues at the rate it is at now, the gap and deficit will continue to grow even more substantially.
The Church has a responsibility to tend to this issue, as we are called to care for the sick and hungry, and to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need (Mt 25:34-46). Practically, Christians can seek to eliminate habits of gluttony and wastefulness from their habits, and play an active role in reducing the amount of food wasted annually by practicing resourcefulness in their daily lives (Ryken, Wilhoit & Longman, 1984). We are empowered by Scriptures to live lives of self-control, and we as Christians have the power of the Holy Spirit working with us and strengthening us in this discipline (2 Tim. 1:7). If Christians feel passionate about world hunger relief efforts, there are countless organizations devoted to feeding God’s children spiritually by spreading the gospel, and physically by providing food to those in great need of nourishment through food.
Social Factors
There is a significant cultural gap between high income regions and low income regions in the amount of food that is thrown away each year. As affluence rises in higher income regions, so does the demand for greater variety and availability of food. With this comes greater amounts of food being thrown away, and the global food waste problem is worsened. It is estimated that up to 30-50% of what is purchased is put to waste in the home (Fox, 2013). Based off of these notable statistics, it is clear that there is need for social shifts in higher income regions to occur, when it comes to food value and perception of waste. In describing why humans seem to grow in their justification of harmful or unhealthy habits, Gollnhofer states that, “the perception of those objects/practices is not based on their material properties, but is socio-historically constructed: That means, food is discarded despite its nutritional value and boat paint is used despite its toxic nature because it is perceived as normal” (Gollnhofer, 2017). A suggestion for the minimization of food losses in the rapidly developing world is to return to traditions and culture, and to make every effort to remember the value of food (Fox, 2013). As a culture, if the values shifted from quantity to quality, efforts would be better diverted to producing more appropriate volumes of food, therefore creating a smaller amount of annual waste.
Christians can contribute to the social movement of minimizing food waste, similarly, by creating a shift to increase cultural value of food. Jesus speaks on the importance of wisdom in managing the resources we have been given throughout his ministry, emphasizing the value of stewardship (Lk 12:42-46).
Economic Factors
In higher income and developed economies, sellers are encouraging over-purchasing, grocery stores are refusing to sell produce that are “less than perfect” in appearance (Fox, 2013), and leaving plates unfinished is considered the standard of courtesy in the hospitality industry (Conrad, Niles, Neher, Roy, Tichenor & Jahns, 2018). This creates astronomical levels of unnecessary food waste, and are all driven by desires for economic gain.
In contrast, developing and emerging economies are experiencing significant levels of food waste, but more commonly out of lack of resources to preserve the food before it has become wasted. Common contributing factors include, “poor harvesting techniques, inadequately engineered storage and transportation infrastructure” (Fox, 2013). Up to 40% of losses in these regions were reported to be caused by poorly engineered storage capacities, which indicates significant economic gaps (Fox, 2013).
On an interpersonal and professional level, especially in the developed grocery market industry, specialized training on sustainability practices would likely be beneficial in reducing the amount of national food waste. Retailers can work to reduce global food waste by implementing change in how they promote products, and by emphasizing the importance of eliminating food waste to the customers. Retailers can also help by keeping suppliers accountable for reductions in food loss by conducting regular audits. (Fox, 2013).
Christians can and should respond to the economic factors contributing to this problem, by being active contributors in the economy from a business aspect. In all professions there is a great need for a strong Christian presence, as God has created us with diverse skills and strengths, and has called us to build society in the cultural mandate (Gen. 1:28).
Political Factors
National change can be realized on a political level by reform of national food policies, with a strong emphasis on reduction of food waste. Increased public awareness efforts on the magnitude and effects of global food waste must also occur, and the development of sustainable infrastructures to facilitate efficiency in food production and distribution must also be prioritized.
International change can also occur by the enablement of sustainable engineering and technologies to be utilized on a global basis (Fox, 2013). As was previously stated, a lack of engineered technologies was a significant cause of food waste in lesser developed regions, and a international political push for positive reform could decrease the incidence of food waste in these areas. This is particularly important, as in these same areas are some of the highest concentrations of populations suffering from hunger and malnutrition (World Hunger Education Service, 2016).
Lesser developed regions could be helped by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by implementing programs which tailor technologies, knowledge, and practical economic designs (Fox, 2013). Areas that would be improved by this political action would include all stages of food production, to increase preservability in transport and distribution (Fox, 2013).
Governments in developed nations also should devise and implement policy that changes consumer expectations. These should discourage retailers from wasteful practices that lead to the rejection of food on the basis of cosmetic characteristics, and losses in the home due to excessive purchasing by consumer.
Similarly to the economic factors, Christians can and should respond to the political factors contributing to this problem by being active contributors in the economy through political advocacy and political professions. Again, God has created called us to build society in the cultural mandate (Gen. 1:28), and politics is such a volatile and often corrupted field, that there is always an immense need for Christian presence in this field.
Environmental Factors
Reducing food waste can drastically reduce water, energy, and land use (Fox, 2013). Building off the previous section, citizens can advocate to their local and national governments to implement positive change in legislation pertaining to retail practice and increased accountability for resourcefulness and sustainability. Citizens can also seek to create a culture of reclaiming the value that food should have, in a healthy and balanced way. This means to seek cultural enjoyment of quality food in moderation, and to be far from gluttony and highly consumerist tendencies. (Fox, 2013).
With current practices wasting up to 50% of all food produced, engineers need to act now and promote sustainable ways to reduce waste from the farm to the supermarket and to the consumer. By minimizing food production, land, energy, and water resources will be freed up, and this is an opportunity that should not be ignored.
Christians especially should have the environmental factors as a primary concern in addressing this issue, because we must have a heart of conviction and respect for the world God has given to us. A huge part of our roles as Christians is stewardship. In order to be environmentally conscious, we must have environmental consciousness. Cain states, “We need dialogue with science in order to be environmentally aware – we have to understand the cycles and rhythms of the natural world if we are to cooperate with them rather than interrupt and demolish them” (Cain, 2011). We must be good stewards, as it is a part of the Christian character that God has called us to step into (Titus 1:7-9).
Christian Implications
If systemic environmental problems are addressed from solely a scientific standpoint, major roots of the problem will likely be missed. Just as cancer is a problem that typically is initially located in one spot, it is a threat to the entire body. This concept applies to the health of the earth and of the people in it. The central cause, or “cancer” of the issue of food waste is misplaced desires of the heart. Greed, consumerism, gluttony, instant gratification and short term thinking, and materialism all are worked through sin to destroy the good, wholesome, and holy concept of culture. As this progresses, massive issues such as global food waste and widespread hunger begin to grow out of control.
This physical crisis becomes a spiritual crisis as well when we ask ourselves how we see the world through the lens of our faith. Our core values, how we view the earth God has given to us, and how we will preserve it for those living with us now and for the generations to come are all things that must be lived out with the Scriptures as our guide.
When reading the Bible in its entirety, we see that the land belongs to God, and that we are given the responsibility of caring for creation. We do not own creation, but we, as humans, are given the honor of being stewards of the land (Cain, 2011). We know that God loves the world (John 3:16), and created all that we see and experience (Gen. 1:1), and if we are seeking to emulate God in all things, a healthy love for the world and for the respect of God’s creation is vital. One of the first things that God tells a human being is to serve and protect the world (Gen. 2:15), and that is a command that we must faithfully step into by being resourceful and respectful of the resources He has given us. One simple and clear way to do this, is to minimize and eliminate food waste as best we can.
As Bell states, “a biblical vision of stewardship must treat all of life—all that we have and all that we are. Viewed in this holistic frame, as a reflection of and witness to God’s generosity, we are freed to give in love for the sake of the renewal of communion” (Bell, 2016). This shift in mindset helps the Christian view all of these factors contributing to food waste as opportunities for growth, and can rejoice in the hope of the future.
We must also seek wisdom that comes only from the Lord in addressing such complex, multifaceted, global issues such as food waste. Stewardship is a responsibility to take on in wisdom and discretion from the Lord (Luke 16:1-13).
Conversely, irresponsible stewardship of the world we have been given has led to massive ecological problems, including air and water pollution, and the destruction of forests and viable land for farming. Because of this, there are “tremendous implications for food security. Human population, now approaching seven billion, is placing stress on every ecosystem on Earth. As Christians, what is our responsibility?” (Rhoads, 2009). Rhoads continues to argue that it is our human vocation to be good stewards of creation. The cultural mandate that God gave humanity in Genesis 1:1-2:4 has taken several interpretations. Some have viewed it as a liberty to carelessly dominate creation for their own pleasure or benefit, which has caused great destruction. However, in Hebrew the term “dominion” means “‘to take responsibility for’, as a ruler would be responsible to assure the well-being of those in the realm” (Rhoads, 2009). If we were created to be stewards of creation, this is then a foundational and central part of our humanity (Rhoads, 2009).
An interesting concept is that “There is a concept of environmental tithing that is relevant to our vocation as stewards of creation” (Rhoads, 2009). Similar to a biblical tithe, or giving back to God one tenth of what we earn, the environmental tithe is by stewarding our personal resources in a way that is responsible and caring toward the world we live in. Though it is not an explicitly Biblical concept, the root of this act is in accordance with characteristics and actions that God has called us to in his Scriptures. It is a way to honor God, by honoring the gifts he has given us, and by stepping into the role of true dominion as was intended for us. Christians can view these changes and deliberate actions to preserve the environment and resources we have been given as acts of love and kindness. By being responsible in how we interact with the Earth, we are able to love other people by contributing toward a healthy environment to live in (Rhoads, 2009).
Practically speaking, this concept applies very directly to the issue of global food waste. If Christians are careful to be disciplined in faithfully living out our role as stewards of creation, the glaring problem of throwing out massive quantities of food will become burdensome on their hearts. Motivations to reallocate resources in a way that can help provide relief to global hunger will rise, and positive action and change is a natural result. God’s grace, the “living water” of his Holy Spirit will sustain us as we seek to love Him by loving his people and his creation, and as we seek to restore creation as closely to His perfect design as we can (Rhoads, 2009).
Christians have the responsibility to make deliberate efforts towards wise stewardship over mindlessness and gluttony in consumerism (Santmire, 2010). Although Santmire is in favor of responsible care for the Earth and the resources we have been given, he takes an oppositional standpoint in the use of the term “stewardship”, so as to push Christians to really evaluate what the practical actions of the concept of stewardship could include. His goal in doing this is to push Christians to action in caring for the earth and for those on the Earth who cannot care for themselves. This is a very important concept, as positive change is only achieved by clear planning and strong implementation of these plans (Santmire, 2010).
Misplaced appetites relate to the issue of global food waste, as it is a significant underlying cause for the occurence and justification of waste on an individual and systemic level. Ryken emphasizes the significance of appetites in stating, “From the beginning, people have failed to seek satisfaction in the right place; they have sought to satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst with literal food, sex, knowledge, wealth or political power of one kind or another. Spiritual appetite has one ultimate and proper object, God himself” (Ryken, Wilhoit & Longman, 1984). We are called to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to be satisfied in Him (Ps. 34:8). However, as we fail to look for satisfaction in God, replacements try to find their way into our hearts and minds. Whatever the misplaced appetite may be, gluttony ensues as a sinful response. We were created with a natural and unifocal appetite, and that was to be on God himself. Imagery is found frequently in the Psalms about our thirst or appetite for communion with God (Ps. 42). When this focus is disrupted, an imbalance occurs. Misplaced appetites is actually a significant hindrance to our spiritual growth, which furthers the cause to remain disciplined in our desires (Mk 4:19). One of the most clear and obvious areas of imbalanced and misplaced appetites is with an excess of food and drink. This has become normalized to such a degree, that entitlement has crept into the psyche of the developed world, and cultural values have become centered on comfort and indulgence.
Role of the Government
The considerable gaps in knowledge in every step of the food chain globally is an increasingly pressing issue, and governmental efforts must be made to provide thorough education to the growers, distributors, sellers, and consumers. As food losses are reduced, the food availability will increase, which can be distributed and responsibly used to feed those suffering from starvation and malnutrition.
Role of the Church
The Christian convictions of stewardship, responsibility, self-control, and resourcefulness should drive the church to action. We must ask ourselves if we are truly caring for creation as God has called us to in Genesis 1:28, or are we exhibiting great neglect in turning a blind eye to the immense problem of global food waste and letting the earth and its inhabitants suffer the consequences? The sheer number of people who are exercising wasteful habits with food in the Church is surprising. It is difficult to find a sermon about gluttony and minimizing food waste, and self-control seems to be a topic shied away from in modern-day churches. Christians must model integrity (Titus 2:7), stay true to our convictions, including living a holistic and responsible life in all aspects, including practicing great mindfulness and responsibility in our efforts to reduce the issue of global food waste.
Annotated Bibliography
1. Bell, D.J. (2016). Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship.
Theology Today, (1).
This chapter discusses prevalent themes in the books of Luke and Acts, and is written by Craig Blomberg, a theologian who has thoughtfully engaged in the stories presented in the books of Luke and Acts for decades. He is best known for his well-respected defense on the historical reliability of the Gospels. This chapter focuses on stewardship, and how from faithful stewardship grows a heart of generosity.
A direct application to this project can include that as Christians focus on emulating the
faithfulness of God through stewardship, generous hearts will be strengthened. As this happens, Christians will have a greater motivation and capacity to devote time, finances, and energy toward fighting the epidemic of hunger and global food waste. This passionate desire for justice and restoration comes from the Lord, and stems from the discipline of stewardship.
2. Cain, C. (2011). Down to Earth Theology: Reclaiming Our Responsibility for Creation and
Embracing Biblical Stewardship. American Baptist Quarterly, 30(3-4), 276-281.
This article discusses many connections between science and faith, and why they are
essential to the bettering of one’s understanding of the other. As the problems of food waste and environmental destruction continue to grow at an exponential rate, this article presents explanations as to why Christians must approach these problems boldly. Christians have the foundation to identify that at the root of these issues are human sin, and that a re-centered view on God’s original design for the earth and how we care for it will bring about healing and greater levels of restoration.
The content of this article will be beneficial to this project, as it presents arguments for the integration of science and faith in producing the most effective plan for fighting against global food waste problems. It argues that not only is it possible to use faith to back up science and vice versa, but it is actually imperative for continued progress. This article will help the project have a clearer argument for how Christians can view God’s Word and God’s world in unity.
3. Conrad, Z., Niles, M. T., Neher, D. A., Roy, E. D., Tichenor, N. E., & Jahns, L. (2018).
Relationship between food waste, diet quality, and environmental sustainability. Plos
ONE, 13(4), 1-18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0195405
This article focuses on the importance of bridging the gap between diet quality and sustainability, with the topic of food waste. If food waste is critically analyzed and addressed from political, agricultural, social, and economic standpoints, possible solutions will be made more clear and possible. Links between higher quality diets and higher amounts of annual food waste are studied, which show the clear need for efforts on reducing food waste while still maintaining high quality diets.
This article will incorporate into this project very well, as it will serve as a platform for
suggestions for global improvements on this issue to be made. As analysis of issues increase and data is accumulated, more informed education can be provided to the public, and ideally a cultural shift will occur. This shift should be centered around a desire to reduce food waste, and an increase in distribution of food that is not used to people suffering from starvation and hunger. The facts and statistics presented in this resource will help further the arguments and suggestions made in this project.
4. Fox, T. (2013). Global Food: Waste Not, Want Not. Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Retrieved on April 18, 2018, from https://www.ifama.org/resources/files/2013-Symposium/TFox.pdf
This resource provides research done at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers about
global food waste, specifically with the lens of population growth. This is an important facet of the issue, as it gives it long-term value as well as provides a sense of urgency to reduce this issue today. It is a growing issue, and the population growth will only exacerbate the gap between food waste and number of people suffering from hunger.
This article will be a great contribution to this project, as it will provide a unique
viewpoint to the global food waste crisis. Gathering information from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers can provide information for how to practically approach this issue in terms of technological solutions in an age of rapid technological growth. A focus of this study is working with the global population growth, and how to work alongside this to fight both food waste and hunger with technological solutions. I will incorporate this very useful resource into my research.
5. Gollnhofer, J. F. (2017). Normalising alternative practices: the recovery, distribution and
consumption of food waste. Journal Of Marketing Management, 33(7/8), 624-643. doi:10.1080/0267257X.2017.1301982
This article is a qualitative research report which follows the process of normalizing the process of incorporating the usage of foods that are typically wasted in the food industry. It is a study that seeks to understand how the normalization of processes into marketplaces can positively impact the issue of global food waste. A psychological approach is taken, as the reasoning behind why so many people feel okay with discarding nutritious, edible food is investigated. The rationale behind cultural definitions of “normal” are studied, and possible solutions and ways change can be implemented are explored throughout the article.
This article will contribute significantly to the purposes of this project, as a resource for
practical and recent evidence-based recommendations for reducing global food waste. It will provide research-based evidence to support suggestions for positive change which will be made in the project. The psychological approach to the issue of global food waste is valuable in rounding out rationales presented, and helps to create a more comprehensive picture as to why the problem exists, and how society can work together to implement positive change.
6. Gustavsson, J., Cederberg, C. & Sonesson, U. (2011). Global Food Losses and Food
Waste. Retrieved on April 18, 2018, from
http://www.madr.ro/docs/ind-alimentara/risipa_alimentara/presentation_food_waste.pdf
This is a quantitative and qualitative study conducted in 2011 at the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology about the magnitude and causes of food waste globally. It is broken down into low income countries and high income countries, and the causes are categorized accordingly. There are in-depth breakdowns of several categories of foods and the amount of waste produced in each category, for both low income and high income categories. This study also analyzes socioeconomic factors contributing to food waste, as well as limitations present in both low income and high income countries.
This article will contribute valuable information to this project, as it has both quantitative
and qualitative data that can support arguments and claims made, as well as observations on the contrasts seen between low income and high income countries. The data provided from this resource can aid in the formulation of statistically-based recommendations for solutions to the problem addressed in my research.
7. Rhoads, D.M. (2009). Stewardship of creation. Currents in Theology and Mission, (5).
David Rhoads explains the importance of Christians stewarding creation. He explains that
stewardship of creation is our vocation as humans, our call to “serve and to preserve”, reasonings behind why we must steward creation in wisdom, and that the motivation of serving the Earth and the people on it as an act of service to God. He also discusses our oneness with creation, the eternal implication of our lives, and how we can be stewards of creation in this day and age. He concludes with a discussion of how stewardship of creation is a spiritual discipline that we can step into, and honor the Lord in daily.
This article is very thorough and comprehensive, and is an excellent addition to this
project for several reasons. It is broken down into very clear categories, and displays academic discussions of the concept of stewardship and the eternal importance of honoring the earth that God has given us as humans. This article will serve as a resource to direct us to our goals as Christians, as we seek to look forward and achieve a culture of responsibility in how we view the environment and the food it gives us.
8. Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J.C., & Longman III, T. (Eds.). (1984). The Dictionary of Biblical
Imagery. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is a collection of approximately 850 articles of reference for hundreds of imagery uses in the Bible. It contains explanations of the imagery with additional information and resources for the reader to gain a better understanding of each topic. In-depth biblical and historical contextual information is explained in each of the sections in this reference. There are approximately 150 contributors who have provided scholarly and reliable information pertaining to the topics in this book, and all of the writings have been meticulously reviewed by an editorial staff consisting of ten members. This dictionary was worked on for many years before publishing, and has been a relied upon resource for both laypeople and scholars since 1984. The article that I have focused on for my research purposes was on the topic of Appetite, specifically noting the emphasis of misplaced appetites presented in the Bible as a representation of our spiritual hunger and thirst.
Misplaced appetites relate to the issue of global food waste, as they are the central driving force behind why waste occurs in the first place. Waste exists, because an appetite for excess, options, and comfort in food has become normalized. This misplaced appetite for literal food is called gluttony, and is triggered by a misdirected desire to satisfy ourselves. However, we were created to be satisfied and hungry for one thing, and that is the presence and relationship with the Lord. This imagery is something that Christians must grasp and understand, as gluttony is a sin that is rarely discussed in the church.
9. Santmire, H. P. (2010). From Consumerism to Stewardship: The Troublesome Ambiguities of
an Attractive Option. Dialog: A Journal Of Theology, 49(4), 332-339. doi:10.1111/j.1540-6385.2010.00560.x
The author of this acknowledges the importance of living a life of stewardship over a
consumeristic life, yet also warns against the ambiguities of said “stewardship”. He is a pastor who has presided over many stewardship organizations and campaigns. He discusses how stewardship has been such a widely discussed topic, that it is easy for the discussion of stewardship to be had, yet action is ambiguous or lacking altogether. He discusses Jesus’ authority in the area of stewardship through the analysis of several parables. Stewardship through the lens of Church finances and Western culture are also focused on in this article. The author implores the church to restrict the use of the word “stewardship”, in order to maintain clarity in the mission of the Church pertaining to the world around us.
This article will be particularly useful in this project, as it gives a slightly opposing view to the other resources discussing the merits and concepts of stewardship. It will create a healthy tension in the research conducted, and create a need for thorough analysis of the concepts being discussed. The need for a clear plan of action is called for, and this article provides useful insight as to what can happen if clarity is not achieved in the discussion and planning process of seeking ways to steward the resources that God has given us.
10. Sengupta, S. (2017). How much food do we waste? Probably more than you think. New York
Times. Retrieved on January 15, 2018, from
This article discusses statistics and stories pertaining to the global food waste issue. It analyzes the dangers of a lack of worldwide efforts to stop or minimize food waste, and calls the public to action. As a New York Times article, it’s purpose is to inform the public about the incidence, implications, and simple actions individuals can take to reduce their own public food waste, in hopes that the effects of individual efforts can make a large-scale and long-term impact on this growing problem.
This article is directly applicable to this research project, as it was the article that directed the topic I chose to study. It also serves as a concise and attention-grabbing resource for the public, which is extremely important. My project will discuss the importance of public involvement and awareness of global food waste, and articles like these are immensely helpful in presenting the information available.
11. World Hunger Education Service. (2016). 2016 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and
Statistics. Retrieved on April 14, 2018, from
https://www.worldhunger.org/2015-world-hunger-and-poverty-facts-and-statistics/
The World Hunger Education Service has had the mission since 1976 to provide comprehensive and reliable information to the public about world hunger and malnutrition, while integrating perspectives from ethical, religions, scientific, social, economic, and political standpoints. This is the aim of the World Hunger Education Service, as they seek to provide education while networking with organizations and individuals with the common goal of working toward sustainable solutions to world hunger. The selected article thoroughly presents hunger concepts and definitions, statistics on number of people facing hunger in the world, progress in relief efforts and reductions in number of people affected by hunger, children, micronutrients, discussion on global food production, and causes of hunger.
This article, “2016 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics”, directly pertains to
this research, as it covers several topics which I will be discussing. Every section of this article, which is listed in the paragraph above, will provide useful information and research to back up arguments and claims that will be made in my project.
References
Bell, D.J. (2016). Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship. Theology
Today, (1), 81.
Cain, C. (2011). Down to Earth Theology: Reclaiming Our Responsibility for Creation and
Embracing Biblical Stewardship. American Baptist Quarterly, 30(3-4), 276-281.
Conrad, Z., Niles, M. T., Neher, D. A., Roy, E. D., Tichenor, N. E., & Jahns, L. (2018).
Relationship between food waste, diet quality, and environmental sustainability. Plos
ONE, 13(4), 1-18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0195405
Fox, T. (November 2, 2013). Global Food: Waste Not, Want Not. Institution of Mechanical
Engineers. Retrieved on April 18, 2018, from
https://www.ifama.org/resources/files/2013-Symposium/TFox.pdf
Gollnhofer, J. F. (2017). Normalising alternative practices: the recovery, distribution and
consumption of food waste. Journal Of Marketing Management, 33(7/8), 624-643. doi:10.1080/0267257X.2017.1301982
Gustavsson, J., Cederberg, C. & Sonesson, U. (May 16, 2011). Global Food Losses and Food
Waste. Retrieved on April 18, 2018, from
http://www.madr.ro/docs/ind-alimentara/risipa_alimentara/presentation_food_waste.pdf
Rhoads, D.M. (2009). Stewardship of creation. Currents in Theology and Mission, (5).
Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J.C., & Longman III, T. (Eds.). (1984). The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Santmire, H. P. (2010). From Consumerism to Stewardship: The Troublesome Ambiguities of an
Attractive Option. Dialog: A Journal Of Theology, 49(4), 332-339. doi:10.1111/j.1540-6385.2010.00560.x
Sengupta, S. (2017). How much food do we waste? Probably more than you think. New York
Times. Retrieved on January 15, 2018, from
World Hunger Education Service. (2016). 2016 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics.
Retrieved on April 14, 2018, from
https://www.worldhunger.org/2015-world-hunger-and-poverty-facts-and-statistics/
