During the holiday season, food waste has become an increasingly critical issue. According to spokesperson Viridiana Lázaro, the amount of food discarded during celebrations not only results in enormous economic costs but also requires large amounts of land and natural resources. This situation directly impacts planetary sustainability and increases pressure on food production systems.
Recent statistics indicate that 20% of global food production is lost or wasted, and the holiday season represents a peak of excess consumption. Wastage typically occurs in restaurants, households, and distribution centers, where excess ingredients and perishable products are discarded before consumption. This practice not only wastes resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Viridiana Lázaro stated:
“Food waste during Christmas is a serious problem, as many resources and land area are needed to produce so much food.”
According to her, it is essential to implement waste‑reduction strategies such as donating surplus food and planning more sustainable menus.
Consumers can get involved by reducing portion sizes, planning purchases, and sharing excesses. Companies can also adopt composting and donation practices.