World Food Day: Why Emissions Are Also Hidden on Our Plates

When Our Plate Becomes a Source of Emissions

Did you know that about one-third of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from the food system? From production and distribution to the food waste we generate every day, everything contributes to climate change. According to a report by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), the food sector accounts for nearly 8 to 10% of global emissions from wasted food alone. Imagine, every spoonful of rice left uneaten and every vegetable rotting in the kitchen is actually helping to “heat up” our planet.

Why World Food Day Matters

World Food Day, celebrated every year on October 16, is more than just a campaign to end hunger. This year’s global theme highlights the importance of transforming food systems for a greener and fairer future.

Jejakin sees this moment as an opportunity to remind us all that sustainability is not only about planting trees but also about what we eat, how we consume, and how we manage food waste.

From Farm to Plate: A Long and Emission-Heavy Chain

The global food system is highly complex. From agriculture using nitrogen-based fertilizers to international transportation and refrigeration in supermarkets, all of it creates a carbon footprint.

Beef production, for example, generates up to 60 kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram of meat, far higher than vegetables or grains, which average only 1 to 3 kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram.

If half of the world’s population adopted a plant-based diet several times a week, Oxford University estimates that emissions from the food sector could drop by as much as 70% by 2050.

Changing Habits: It Starts in Our Kitchen

The good news is that big change can start with small steps at home.‍

• ‍Buy only what you need. Plan your weekly menu to avoid food waste.‍
• Store properly. Use airtight containers and set your refrigerator temperature according to the type of food.‍
• Support local products. The shorter the production distance, the smaller the transportation emissions.‍
• Eat less meat, more vegetables. A plant-forward diet is not only good for your health but also for the planet.‍
• Get creative with leftovers. Turn leftover rice into fried rice or banana peels into banana peel chips, both creative and sustainable.

From Plate to Planet: Real Action with Jejakin

Reducing emissions is not only about electric vehicles or renewable energy. Sometimes, the simplest action happens right on our dining table.

Start by calculating your carbon footprint through event.jejakin.app, then turn that footprint into real action by planting trees with Jejakin.

One plate full of awareness can be the beginning of a greener planet.