Curbing household food waste and associated climate change impacts in an ageing society

This study analyzes household food waste and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across various age groups in Japan, a nation significantly impacted by an aging population. Using household economic statistics and life cycle assessment, the authors examined food waste patterns and their environmental impact from raw material production through to retail. Findings reveal that food waste per capita increases with the age of the household head, ranging from 16.6 kg per year for individuals in their 20s and younger to 46 kg per year for those aged 70 and older. This trend is largely due to older households purchasing more perishable items, such as fruits and vegetables. The study also found that life cycle GHG emissions from food waste are highest for individuals in their 60s (90.1 kg CO2-eq/year) and lowest for those in their 20s and younger (39.2 kg CO2-eq/year). Projecting future demographic trends, the study suggests that as Japan’s population ages and shrinks, food waste and related emissions may naturally decline through 2040. To further reduce food waste and associated emissions, targeted interventions addressing demographic shifts are recommended for Japan and similar aging societies, aiding in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.