Be part of the solution
Guest post by SEA Non-Executive Director Sandra Loader
Every day we witness change. What is important is not just remaining an observer but asking yourself ‘what can I do to make a difference?’
As a non-executive director of the Sports Environment Alliance, I see first-hand the actions our #SEAAmbassadors, #SEAMembers and #SEAPartners are undertaking to make a positive impact on our planet.
Growing up in country Victoria, my passion for the land and our environment was part of my DNA from an early age. Relying on the weather patterns and productive seasons for our livelihood, there were times when we prayed for rain and there were times during harvest, we didn’t want rain. I valued the natural resources and the importance of our ecosystems.
Rolling the clock forward, it is still our natural environment and ecosystem that keeps me awake at night and the negative impact we as humans have inflicted on our planet. I am committed to taking action to help reverse the trend of increasing CO2 levels in our atmosphere. We do not want to see annual average temperatures increasing, as that leads to energy in the atmosphere creating more frequent and more severe weather events, creating disasters that have devastated and, in some instances, are destroying communities, infrastructure and parts of the ecosystem that don’t easily regenerate.
Globally, food waste is an AUD$1.75 trillion problem. (Source: Boston Consulting Group (2018) Tackling the 1.6 billion Food loss and waste crisis) That equates to 1.6 billion tonnes of food loss or food wasted / year globally. As you would know, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals include a target of halving food waste by 2030.
Closer to home, Australia has its own AUD$ 20 billion food waste problem which equates to 7.3 million tonnes wasted across the “Food waste by value chain sector”. Australia’s National Food Waste Strategy is aligned to the UN target which is to halve food waste by 2030. Did you know out of the 7.3 million tonnes of waste, households are the highest contributors of food waste at 2.5 million tonnes / year, which means this creates a significant opportunity for us all to make a meaningful difference.
I am committed to doing my part to reduce food waste and avoid food scraps ending up in landfill. Food waste that ends up in landfill is one of the highest contributors to global warming. When food waste decomposes, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas with more than 20 times the global warming capacity than CO2.
Decomposing food scraps in landfill are also a potential source of organic leachates. When food waste breaks down it liquifies, and when water filters through that waste, the liquid produced can be highly toxic and can pollute the ground and our beautiful waterways.
As an individual, I know I can take action and while my action alone will not reverse global warming and the increasing level of CO2 in the atmosphere, I know that if I can influence just ten people to do the same and those ten people can influence another ten people, then we have an exponential curve that would be unstoppable, with the end game to reduce greenhouse gasses that have the potential to destroy those things we value not just relating to sport but across all aspects of life as we know it today. We must reverse the trends that have the power to take away the things we value, and we must act now.
This target is looming fast, and we all need to change urgently. Reducing food waste at home is the single most powerful thing individuals can do. People often say, ‘I just don’t know where to start,’ and this is just one action you can take. Imagine if the entire sporting community made a commitment to take such action.
All forms of waste are having an impact on our environment. While food scientists are looking to develop crops and re-engineered environments to grow food and develop new food types that thrive under highly controlled conditions, we need to do both.
We need to be vigilant and STOP / rethink and take action to avoid waste.
Some simple tips to be part of the solution and make a difference:
1. Avoid waste is the first thing. Just in time purchases. Plan/buy only what you need
2. Reduce waste by expanding how you use the food you have. Be creative.
USE IT UP TAPE - developed by Ronni Kahn founder of Oz Harvest says:
“Fight food waste by making sure you Use It Up! It’s a simple habit that will save food, save money and save the planet!” The labels are free, and they help you manage food close to date so you don’t need to bin it.
3. Reuse waste by value adding or dehydration that leads to repurposing
4. Recycle waste via separation and treatment. Some councils allow food waste in green waste bins which is then treated and turned into compost then used in parks, gardens, and farms to improve soil.
5. Whatever you do don’t allow your food to end up in landfill
By acting you are helping deliver on SEA’s MISSION to lead, educate, and inspire our sport community members to learn, share, and act for a more sustainable and regenerative Australasia. Reducing greenhouse gasses will have a positive and indirect impact on sport. You are empowered to be environmental stewards. I’m taking action, I can influence ten people to do the same and those ten people can influence another ten like-minded people passionate about sport, protecting the places where we play. Let’s ensure our sporting community leads the way.
#NoPlanetNoPlay #SEA_theChange
