Food Waste and Plastic

The Hidden Cost of Celebrations: Food Waste, Plastic Disposal, and the Burden on Cleaning Staff

Festivals, parties, and meetings bring joy, camaraderie, and a sense of togetherness. However, these events also come with an unfortunate side effect: food waste, plastic disposal, and an increased burden on cleaning staff. The sight of hungry individuals scavenging discarded food from waste bins is a grim reality that starkly contrasts with the abundance enjoyed by others. Moreover, the unsung heroes—cleaning staff—are left to deal with the aftermath of our negligence.

The Scale of Food Waste

In every celebration, we tend to order more food than is necessary. For instance, if an event has 20 attendees, food is often ordered for all 20, yet only 16 may actually consume it. The remaining portions are discarded like trash. However, what we fail to realize is that this so-called “trash” represents more than just wasted food. It embodies the labor and effort of several individuals—the one who worked hard to earn the money to buy it, the chef who prepared it, and the workers who transported it. It also represents a missed opportunity to feed those who struggle for a meal.

A Thoughtful Approach to Ordering

While a perfect solution to food wastage may not exist, we can adopt mindful practices to mitigate the issue. One practical step is ordering conservatively—about 80% of the estimated requirement—since, in reality, people tend to eat less than expected. Additionally, instead of ordering a set quantity blindly, taking individual preferences into account can prevent unnecessary surplus.

The Plastic Waste Problem

Another significant issue that arises alongside food waste is plastic disposal. Many assume that leftover food thrown out in public areas will be consumed by stray animals such as cows and dogs. However, these animals often ingest plastic packaging along with the food, leading to severe health problems. Reports of plastic-filled stomachs in animals are widespread on social media, underscoring the damage caused by irresponsible waste disposal.

The Silent Suffering of Cleaning Staff

While we move on after celebrations, the cleaning staff is left to handle the mess. Large amounts of food waste attract pests, rot in the open, and create unhygienic conditions. Plastic waste clogs drainage systems and pollutes the environment. Cleaning workers, often underpaid and overworked, must sift through piles of garbage, separate waste manually, and endure hazardous conditions to restore order. Their thankless job is made worse when waste is irresponsibly dumped instead of properly segregated.

Steps Towards a More Responsible Future

1. Conscious Ordering: Estimate food requirements carefully and avoid over-ordering.
2. Redistribution Efforts: If food remains, consider donating it to those in need rather than throwing it away.
3. Sustainable Packaging: Use biodegradable or reusable packaging instead of plastic.
4. Proper Disposal: Separate food waste from plastic and ensure responsible disposal.
5. Respect for Cleaning Workers: Acknowledge their efforts, ensure waste is disposed of properly to ease their workload, and advocate for better working conditions.
6. Awareness and Action: Educate people on the impact of food and plastic waste and encourage mindful consumption.

A Call to Action

Celebrations should bring happiness to all, not just those who participate in them. A little thoughtfulness in managing food and plastic waste can make a world of difference—not only for the environment but also for those who go to bed hungry every night. Furthermore, we must recognize and appreciate the tireless work of cleaning staff, who ensure that our surroundings remain livable. Let’s ensure that our joy does not become someone else’s suffering.