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Thursday, September 26

Why People Waste Food and How to Reduce It

 Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was brought from shops and restaurants. 

Why do you think people waste food? 

What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?


In many parts of the world today, people tend to waste significant amounts of food that they purchase from shops and restaurants. This growing problem is not only detrimental to the environment but also contributes to the inefficiency of global food systems. Several factors contribute to this issue, including consumer behavior, cultural attitudes, and the abundance of food availability. However, there are practical steps that can be taken to mitigate food wastage and promote more sustainable practices.

One primary reason why people waste food is over-purchasing. In many cases, individuals buy more food than they actually need, driven by impulsive buying habits or the desire to stock up in bulk. This often leads to food spoiling before it can be consumed. Additionally, portion sizes in restaurants have grown significantly, often exceeding what the average person can eat in one sitting. As a result, large amounts of uneaten food are discarded. Cultural factors also play a role, as in some societies, leaving food on the plate is seen as a symbol of abundance or wealth.

Another reason for food wastage is lack of awareness. Many people do not fully understand the environmental and social impacts of food waste. When food is thrown away, not only is the resource itself wasted, but so are the water, energy, and labor that went into its production and transportation. Moreover, discarded food contributes to methane emissions as it decomposes in landfills, exacerbating climate change.

To address this issue, several strategies can be employed. First, public awareness campaigns can be launched to educate people about the consequences of food waste. By highlighting the environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices like buying only what is necessary, individuals may become more mindful of their consumption habits. Second, restaurants and shops can take proactive steps by offering smaller portion sizes or providing options for customers to take leftovers home. Additionally, supermarkets could implement discounts on soon-to-expire products to encourage consumers to purchase them before they go to waste.

Another solution lies in improving food donation systems. Instead of throwing away surplus food, shops and restaurants can donate it to food banks or shelters, ensuring it is used to feed those in need rather than going to waste. Governments can also incentivize businesses that engage in food donation programs by offering tax benefits or other forms of recognition.

In conclusion, food waste is a significant issue driven by over-purchasing, cultural attitudes, and a lack of awareness. However, through education, changes in consumer behavior, and the implementation of policies that encourage food donations, the amount of food that is wasted can be significantly reduced. By taking these steps, we can work toward a more sustainable and equitable food system.


Reasons for an 8-Band Score
  1. Task Response: The essay addresses both parts of the prompt by explaining why food waste occurs and offering practical solutions. It provides relevant examples and maintains a clear, focused response throughout.

  2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that explain the causes and solutions, and a conclusion that summarizes the key points. Transition words like "first," "another reason," "in conclusion," and "additionally" are used effectively to link ideas.

  3. Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary related to food waste and sustainability. Key terms such as "over-purchasing," "portion sizes," "environmental impact," "methane emissions," and "food donation systems" are used appropriately and effectively.

  4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences, with minimal grammatical errors. The writer demonstrates good control over grammar and syntax, contributing to the overall clarity of the essay.



Vocabulary Used in the Essay and Their Meanings

  1. Over-purchasing – Buying more than is necessary or can be consumed.
  2. Portion sizes – The amount of food served in a single meal, especially in restaurants.
  3. Impulsive buying – Making unplanned or spontaneous purchases without much thought.
  4. Abundance – A large quantity of something, more than is needed.
  5. Methane emissions – The release of methane gas, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, often from decomposing organic waste.
  6. Mindful – Being conscious or aware of something, especially in terms of habits or behaviors.
  7. Sustainable practices – Actions that can be maintained over the long term without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment.
  8. Surplus – More of something than is needed; excess.
  9. Incentivize – To motivate or encourage someone to take a particular action, often by offering rewards.
  10. Food donation systems – Organized methods for giving surplus food to those in need rather than discarding it.

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