On April 24, Slovenia marked the National Day of Zero Food Waste, an annual observance that invites individuals, communities, and institutions to reflect on their food consumption habits and take meaningful steps toward reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The celebration of this day is particularly relevant to the goals of the MedDiet Go project, which seeks to encourage responsible food practices in line with the values of the Mediterranean Diet—a model that respects both health and the environment.
According to national data, over 164,000 tons of food were wasted in Slovenia in 2023. While households were the primary source of this waste, the hospitality and food service sector accounted for 34%, followed by food production (13%) and distribution and retail (9%). These figures highlight the need for action across the entire food chain—and demonstrate that each individual can make a significant impact through simple changes. As part of the awareness campaign, several practical tips were shared to help reduce waste at home and in everyday life:
- Plan your shopping wisely: Always check what you already have before heading to the store.
- Understand food labels: “Best before” dates often refer to quality, not safety—many items are still edible past that point if stored properly.
- Practice proper storage: Organize your pantry and fridge by placing older items in front and newer ones behind.
- Use leftovers creatively: Turn yesterday’s pasta into a fresh salad or vegetable peels into a nutritious soup base.
- Rotate stock regularly to avoid forgotten or expired items.
Reducing food waste is not only crucial for environmental sustainability, but it also plays an essential role in fostering responsible tourism and supporting local food systems—core objectives of MedDiet Go. Let’s respect our food. Let’s respect our planet.
