Emphasize Food Utilization: Avoid Wastefulness, Maximize Usage Suggested by CityChanger Ronni Kahn
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Take a bite out of food waste and climate change emissions with Ronni Kahn AO, Founder of OzHarvest!
Did you know that we're binning enough grub worldwide to feed a whopping 3 billion mouths each year? At the same time, over 10% of our 8 billion global pals are undernourished. That's a callous smorgasbord of wastage, don't you think?
It's no surprise that Australian business magnate and CityChanger, Ronni Kahn AO,founded OzHarvest – Australia's non-profit dedicated to tackling hunger and waste alike. But how did she mastermind this amazing feat?
Humble Beginnings to Hunger-Busting
It all started for Ronni as CEO of a successful events business, where she'd often cringe at the sight of discarded grub after each gathering. Moved by compassion, she began doling out the leftovers to Sydney's homeless shelters. And in 2004, she formally established OzHarvest, mobilizing volunteers to help with deliveries.
Overcoming the Food Waste Barrier
Redistributing leftovers might seem like a no-brainer, right? But OzHarvest faced a few obstacles on their journey to victory. Supermarkets, governed by antiquated legislation, were initially reluctant to part with their soon-to-be surplus food – fearing legal repercussions if something were to go awry.
To overcome this hurdle, Ronni rallied a group of pro-bono attorneys and successfully lobbied various state governments to modify legislation. In 2005, New South Wales passed the Civil Liabilities Amendment Act, clearing the way for an easy, safe, and socially responsible food redistribution system nationwide.
Fighting the Food Waste War on Two Fronts
So, why did this lady trade her cushy events gig for something as "ugly" as food waste? Simple: an insatiable hunger for justice. It's abhorrent that nourishing food rots in landfills while millions go hungry. Plus, she couldn't ignore the fact that up to 10% of global greenhouse gases come from food waste!
"I had no idea that I was also starting an environmental organization,” Ronni confesses. "My initial motivation was purely social." But as she admits, the socio-environmental links are inseparable.
Rediscovering Food Morality
Besides dumping food in bins, we've also lost our grip on food value. Great-Grandma's generation would use their wits to turn sour milk into yogurt or ricotta, not because they were frugal but because they couldn't afford to waste. Supermarkets stockpile produce year-round, keeping a constant supply of picture-perfect melons and veggies. Unsurprisingly, "ugly" items are often wasted before making it to store shelves.
Perhaps even more insidious is our misunderstanding of best-before and use-by dates. In a world-first, OzHarvest is working with governments to re-define such labels and provide clear, accurate guidance on food safety.
Changing Minds, One Kitchen at a Time
OzHarvest spearheads some extraordinary change efforts, but true transformation starts with you. They've expanded their mission to include NEST, FEAST, and Nourish programs for communities, schools, and young people, turning food enthusiasts into conscientious, waste-busting warriors.
It's remarkable to see how OzHarvest's success story has touched multiple continents, with replicated models in New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Vietnam, and the UK. By joining this global movement, let's make a difference, one bite at a time!
- Science plays a significant role in OzHarvest's mission, as they work with governments to redefine best-before and use-by dates, providing clear, accurate guidance on food safety, contributing to the field of environmental science.
- In the realm of education and self-development, OzHarvest's NEST, FEAST, and Nourish programs aim to transform individuals into conscious, waste-busting warriors, promoting a greater awareness of food waste's implications on climate change.
