Plastics contamination an ‘overlooked’ concern in food waste schemes, experts say
A new study published in Nature Food highlights that while diverting food waste from landfills significantly reduces climate impacts, it introduces the risk of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. Researchers warn that current composting schemes may inadvertently spread plastics, necessitating a more nuanced approach to waste management.
Why it matters
As global food waste initiatives scale up, understanding the trade-offs between carbon reduction and soil health is critical for sustainable agricultural policy.
A truck unloads organic waste as part of a composting scheme in California. About a third of food produced worldwide is wasted each year, according UN data. A truck unloads organic waste as part of a composting scheme in California. About a third of food produced worldwide is wasted each year, according UN data. Food waste Plastics contamination an ‘overlooked’ concern in food waste schemes, experts say Researchers find microplastics can persist in compost, leaching into agricultural soils
Prefer the Guardian on Google Plastic contamination should be a central concern in efforts to deal with food waste, which campaigners call one of the most overlooked problems of the climate crisis, researchers have said.
This is despite the fact that, as the chef, author and activist Max La Manna puts it, food waste management is “one of the few climate problems where everyone wins”.
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