From Waste to Value: How to Tackle Food Waste from edX

Context

We are in a food waste crisis where 1/3 of all food is lost or wasted. As such, reducing the amount of food we waste has never been more important. Food is wasted for many reasons. For example, often we buy more food than we need or cook meals that create unwanted leftovers, and then we throw the uneaten food away. Sometimes, we forget about the food in our fridge and cupboards, so it goes past its use-by date, and we dispose of it.

This course will cover the latest trends and best practices in reducing food waste, from farm to fork. Whether you're a home cook, a chef, or a business owner, this course offers valuable information and actionable steps to make a positive impact on the planet.

Solution

What can we do to tackle food waste? To help consumers with the possible answers to all these questions, EIT Food is sponsoring a short online course hosted on FutureLearn. Participants will have free and unlimited access to the course content.

The course “ From Waste to Value: How to Tackle Food Waste ” is composed of 9 hours of learning broken down in 3 modules. Upon completion, you will receive a CPD accredited Learning Certificate, which demonstrates your commitment to stay informed and updated on the latest developments and best practices in the agrifood sector.

On this course, participants will explore how you – as a consumer – can act and inspire others to reduce food waste effectively and sustainably. They’ll learn what food waste is, and why it matters, and gain practical information on how to be an agent of change both personally and politically. They’ll also discover how the circular economy provides a framework for discovering solutions to this issue and hear from companies that are making a difference.

Ambition

Our mission is to help everyone to discover the causes and impact of food waste and learn how you can tackle it on a personal, community, and national level. We want to allow consumers to compare the practices of different retailers and discover the innovations that are helping them to reduce waste, and to reflect on how changes in the way we shop, cook and store food can help reduce food waste.

Additionally, a CPD accredited course is recognised by professional bodies, which can be beneficial for career advancement and opportunities.

High level contributors

This course has been designed by teachers and researchers for anyone interested in learning solutions to prevent and/or tackle food waste. The content is offered by experts from University of Reading, Rethink Resource and Mimica.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Assess the causes of food loss and food waste and assess the effect on the planet in terms of food security, sustainability and climate change
Reflect on how changes in the way we shop, cook and store food can help reduce food waste
Compare the practices of different retailers and discover the innovations that are helping them to reduce waste
Explore your own personal contribution to the problem and solutions offered by waste hierarchy and the circular economy

Debate how to produce actionable changes that can make an impact on your own community
Synthesise the policies of national governments and the eu and help improve the sustainability of the food system in your country
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Assess the causes of food loss and food waste and assess the effect on the planet in terms of food security, sustainability and climate change
Reflect on how changes in the way we shop, cook and store food can help reduce food waste
Compare the practices of different retailers and discover the innovations that are helping them to reduce waste
Explore your own personal contribution to the problem and solutions offered by waste hierarchy and the circular economy
Debate how to produce actionable changes that can make an impact on your own community
Synthesise the policies of national governments and the eu and help improve the sustainability of the food system in your country
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Syllabus

This course focuses on:

Food waste and why we should care about it

Making changes at home and in the community

Making changes at the national level by shopping and voting

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores food waste, a critical global issue, which is timely and relevant

Focuses on personal, community, and national levels of action, providing a comprehensive approach

Provides practical solutions for reducing food waste, addressing a pressing societal concern

Offers a CPD accredited Learning Certificate, potentially enhancing career prospects

Utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including videos, readings, and discussions, for an engaging learning experience

The course is free and accessible to all, allowing for inclusive learning

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in From Waste to Value: How to Tackle Food Waste with these activities:

Review the definition and causes of food waste

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Reinforces your understanding of the fundamental concepts related to food waste.

Browse courses on Food Waste

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Read Chapter 1 of the course textbook
Watch the introductory video lecture on food waste
Take practice quiz on the definition and causes of food waste

Organize and review course materials

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Helps you stay organized and improves your overall understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

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Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and other course materials
Regularly review your notes and materials to reinforce your understanding
Identify areas where you need additional clarification or support

Read "Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook" by Dana Gunders

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Offers practical tips and strategies for reducing food waste in the home kitchen.

View Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook: A Guide to Eating... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting key points
Implement some of the techniques and recipes presented in the book

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Research sustainable food waste reduction strategies

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Provides practical insights into real-world applications of food waste reduction strategies.

Browse courses on Food Waste Reduction

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Explore online resources and articles on sustainable food waste reduction
Watch videos and tutorials on best practices for reducing food waste
Attend a webinar or online workshop on food waste reduction

Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen

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Provides hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the impact of food waste on communities.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Contact a local food bank or soup kitchen to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer training and orientation
Participate in food distribution, meal preparation, or other volunteer activities

Career center

Learners who complete From Waste to Value: How to Tackle Food Waste will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists design solutions to reduce the harmful impacts of human activities on the environment. Many focus on finding alternative ways to generate electricity, reduce pollution, or clean up ecosystems. This course provides a foundation in the importance of food waste reduction and the principles of the circular economy, which can help Environmental Scientists address the issue of food waste through their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course provides a foundation in the policies of national governments and the EU related to food waste, which can help Public Policy Analysts make informed recommendations on how to improve the sustainability of the food system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, and energy. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction and the circular economy, which can help Sustainability Managers develop effective plans to reduce food waste within their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop new food products and processes, and ensure that they are safe and nutritious. They may work in the food industry, academia, or government. This course provides a foundation in the causes and effects of food waste, which can help Food Scientists develop innovative solutions to reduce food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of products. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, technology, and retail. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction, which can help Product Managers develop products that are more sustainable and reduce food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Waste Management Specialist

Waste Management Specialists develop and implement plans to manage waste in a safe and environmentally friendly way. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction and the circular economy, which can help Waste Management Specialists develop effective plans to reduce food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Waste Management Specialist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to protect the environment. They may work in a variety of industries, including water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and solid waste management. This course provides a foundation in the importance of food waste reduction and the principles of the circular economy, which can help Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to reduce food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Food Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on food policy issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course provides a foundation in the policies of national governments and the EU related to food waste, which can help Food Policy Analysts make informed recommendations on how to improve the sustainability of the food system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, and energy. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction and the circular economy, which can help Sustainability Consultants develop effective plans to reduce food waste within their client organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators develop and deliver educational programs on environmental issues. They may work in schools, museums, or non-profit organizations. This course provides a foundation in the importance of food waste reduction and the principles of the circular economy, which can help Environmental Educators develop and deliver effective educational programs on food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction and the circular economy, which can help Urban Planners develop and implement plans that reduce food waste in urban areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. They may work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, and retail. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction and the circular economy, which can help Operations Managers develop and implement effective plans to reduce food waste within their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Food Writer

Food Writers write about food and food-related topics. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications. This course provides a foundation in the importance of food waste reduction and the principles of the circular economy, which can help Food Writers educate their readers about food waste and inspire them to reduce their own food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Writer

Chef

Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. This course provides a foundation in the principles of food waste reduction and the circular economy, which can help Chefs reduce food waste in their kitchens and inspire their customers to reduce food waste at home.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chef

Food Photographer

Food Photographers take pictures of food for cookbooks, magazines, websites, and other publications. This course provides a foundation in the importance of food waste reduction and the principles of the circular economy, which can help Food Photographers inspire their viewers to reduce their own food waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Photographer