Luxury on the Table, Waste in Life: Why Don't We Appreciate Our Blessings?

At a time when rising food prices have made meeting daily needs a serious concern for households, how can we correct these everyday habits so that we both value our blessings more and prevent the waste of resources?

According to the Missionary Thought and Culture Base, frugality, contrary to what some people think, does not mean giving up on welfare or enduring unnecessary difficulties; Rather, it is a sign of the intelligent management of resources and the correct use of blessings that ignoring their value can bring heavy costs to the society in the future. This approach, beyond a moral recommendation, is a responsibility towards future generations; A generation that has the right to benefit from the available resources to enjoy a decent life.

According to Iqna's narrative, in religious teachings, extravagance is condemned and contrary to Islamic teachings. In addition to this Islamic duty, social responsibility also requires us to take seriously the consequences of excessive consumption; Because any resource that is wasted without necessity, could provide part of the needs of others or be used to improve the economic and social status of the society.

Due to the importance of these two responsibilities, in a series of notes, we are going to examine the ways to improve the consumption pattern in everyday life. In each issue, we examine one aspect of consumption and by presenting simple and practical suggestions, we show how changing small habits can lead to big results for the family, society and the future of the country.

food waste; A hidden cost in everyday life

The increase in food prices is one of the serious concerns of Iranian households. However, widespread food waste shows that a part of the economic resources of families is also lost due to improper consumption. This problem is not only limited to Iran and different countries of the world, despite the difference in income and facilities, are facing the challenge of food waste.

According to the Food Waste Index report published by the United Nations Environment Program, about 17% of the food supplied to consumers in the world is wasted every year; The volume mentioned in the report is equivalent to the annual food consumption of 690 million people.

The estimate of this report shows that the total amount of food waste in the world reaches more than 931 million tons per year. Of this amount, about 569 million tons, equivalent to 61%, are wasted in households. The share of food services, including restaurants, is estimated at about 244 million tons, equivalent to 26%, and the share of stores and retail sales is about 118 million tons, equivalent to 13%.

This statistic shows that families play a major role in food wastage and modifying consumer behavior can play an important role in reducing this problem.

Iran; Nearly 6 million tons of disposable food annually

Food waste is not limited to rich countries. Studies show that this phenomenon is observed in high, middle and low income countries and its rate does not follow the same pattern.

For example, according to the statistics mentioned in the report, the annual per capita food waste in Austria is 39 kg and in Nigeria 139 kg. This figure in India also reaches about 50 kg per person per year.

Of course, the difference in the amount of diversion is not only related to the behavior of consumers. In developed countries, a significant part of food waste occurs in the consumption phase; While in many developing countries, weakness in production, storage, storage and transportation also contributes significantly to the loss of food products.

The dimensions of this problem are also significant in Iran. According to the statistics of the mentioned report, Iranian households throw away 5 million and 884 thousand tons of food every year, and the annual per capita food waste in the country is estimated to be around 71 kg.

This amount of wastage occurs in a situation where many families are facing increasing costs to meet their daily needs. For this reason, the reduction of food waste cannot be considered only a moral issue; This issue is directly related to the household economy, justice in the use of resources and the management of the country's capacities.

Extravagance in Islamic teachings; When blessings are wasted

In Islamic teachings, extravagance is one of the unseemly and condemned behaviors. In the traditions, it is emphasized on avoiding wasting blessings and paying attention to the needy.

In a narration attributed to Imam Sadiq (a.s.), it is stated that he saw an apple that was left half-eaten, and expressed his displeasure at this behavior and pointed out that if a person is in need of food, it is better to give it to the needy in order to avoid wasting blessings. This narration is narrated in "Majjuba Al-Akhbar", Chapter 171, Hadith 4.

The message of this doctrine is clear: the value of food is not limited to satisfying individual needs; Rather, the way we deal with it shows how much we pay attention to resources, the rights of others, and our social responsibility.

But what measures can be taken to reduce this amount of waste?

Undoubtedly, the government and the responsible institutions are responsible for preventing food waste in the stages of production and supply by improving transportation infrastructure, developing facilities for storing agricultural products and managing the supply chain. However, part of the responsibility lies squarely with consumers, and significant waste can be avoided by modifying a few everyday habits.

conscious purchase; The first step to reduce wastage

One of the important factors of food waste in homes is buying more than needed. Many people, when shopping, without paying close attention to the consumption of the family, prepare several food items; Products that sometimes lose their quality or get spoiled before use.

Preparing a shopping list before going to the store is one of the easiest ways to reduce this problem. Shopping based on the real needs of the family, avoiding emotional purchases and paying attention to the inventory of the refrigerator and cabinets can prevent the accumulation of unnecessary food.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the expiration date, storage conditions and shelf life of the products when buying. Planning meals according to the ingredients purchased also helps to consume the food before it spoils.

Shopping less but purposefully not only reduces wastage but also helps to better manage household expenses.

colorful tables in virtual space; Showing luxury at the cost of food waste

One of the behaviors that can be seen in some content published in cyberspace is showing tables full of food for one or two people; Images that are sometimes prepared with the aim of advertising the restaurant, attracting the audience's attention or showing financial strength.

Such images may gradually promote the idea that ordering multiple dishes and setting lavish tables is a sign of prosperity or social character; While the value of a party or dining experience is not dependent on the amount of food ordered.

Ordering according to the number of people and consumption capacity is a more responsible behavior. Cultivation in this field, especially in virtual space, can help change society's view of consumption and luxury.

A table full of extra food is not necessarily a sign of generosity or character; Sometimes it is just an image of resources that could be used in a better way.

Do not throw away the remaining food

One of the positive behaviors in recent years is increasing attention to the packaging and transfer of leftover food from restaurants to home. This action, if the principles of hygiene and proper maintenance are followed, can prevent food waste.

In parties, it is possible to prevent their wastage by planning more carefully, preparing the required amount of food and properly storing intact food. In cases where it is possible to use healthy and suitable food, transferring it to needy people through reliable centers and collections can also be an effective solution.

Of course, the distribution of the remaining food should be done in full compliance with the principles of hygiene, controlling the time and temperature of storage and ensuring the health of the food. Just because food remains does not mean that it is edible.

basic maintenance; A simple way to increase the shelf life of food

Another part of food waste is related to their improper storage at home. Familiarity with the correct method of storing each product, using suitable containers and basic packaging can increase the shelf life of food.

For example, some vegetables can stay fresh for a longer time by using suitable containers or packaging according to storage conditions. Also, proper packaging of food for the freezer, if the standard temperature and safety principles are observed, can help maintain their quality.

Sorting the refrigerator is also very important. It is better to keep older food items and products that need to be consumed sooner, in visible and accessible areas, and keep fresher items in a suitable place. This method helps not to leave forgotten food at the bottom of the refrigerator or drawers and not to be thrown away after a while.

Of course, it should be noted that the date of use, storage conditions and characteristics of each food item are different; Therefore, the arrangement of the refrigerator alone is not enough and it is necessary to follow the maintenance instructions and pay attention to the signs of corruption.