The Environmental Impact of Food Waste: A Comprehensive Review of Global Trends and Mitigation Strategies

Background: Food waste is a major environmental and socioeconomic challenge that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and pressure on global food security.

Objective: This review aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of food waste, summarize global trends, and discuss practical mitigation strategies within the framework of sustainability and circular economy.

Methods: A review of peer-reviewed studies and international reports published between 2016 and 2026 was conducted, with particular focus on carbon footprint, methane emissions, water use, land use, and waste reduction strategies.

Results: The reviewed literature indicates that food waste contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through methane release from landfills, while also causing major losses of water, land, energy, and agricultural inputs. The evidence further shows that circular economy approaches, improved supply-chain management, sustainable packaging, cold-chain development, composting, anaerobic digestion, and consumer awareness programs can reduce the environmental burden of food waste.

Conclusion: Food waste represents a serious environmental challenge that requires integrated action from policymakers, industries, and consumers. Strengthening circular economy practices and sustainable food management systems can significantly reduce ecological damage and support global sustainability goals.