Navigating the Campus Food Waste Dilemma: A Collaborative Effort with LiveGreen@Ashoka Initiative

Food waste has been an important issue on campus. Over the years, the university has initiated several measures to mitigate it. Many of us have raised our eyebrows in shock, looking at the daily waste numbers on the walls. Despite several zero-waste days, the problem persists.

To understand what Ashokans think of food wastage and possible solutions, we partnered with the LiveGreen@Ashoka initiative in March 2023 to conduct a university-wide survey. Notably, two-thirds of respondents acknowledged food waste as a substantial and urgent problem, revealing a shared concern within the community. Surprisingly, however, a majority of respondents remained unaware of the potential environmental impact associated with food waste. Our survey unveiled a particularly concerning hotspot for food waste during lunchtime in the university mess. Respondents consistently pointed to factors such as portion sizes and food quality as significant contributors. A prevailing observation was that many individuals fail to complete their meals, perpetuating the cycle of unnecessary waste. To crowdsource solutions from the community, an open-ended question in the survey invited respondents to propose ways to address the problem. The feedback was diverse, with suggestions ranging from awareness campaigns and designated zero-waste days to more tangible strategies such as composting, recycling, and donations to local food banks.

Recognising the potential for LiveGreen@Ashoka to play a pivotal role in addressing this pressing issue, the survey findings propose the organisation as the driving force behind awareness programmes and initiatives to tackle food waste on campus. Moreover, collaboration with the university dining team is essential—urging adjustments to portion sizes, better estimation of food quantities, and enhancement of food quality to minimise waste at the source.

Interestingly, the survey exposed a subtle yet important dichotomy in respondents’ attitudes. While a considerable number acknowledged the severity of the food waste issue on campus, a majority rated their behaviour regarding food waste positively. It emphasises the need for individual accountability and vigilance in choices contributing to the bigger problem. Considering the sheer volume of food waste generated by the university mess daily, estimated at an average of 150 kg, relying solely on individual actions proves challenging. The need of the hour, then, is to explore innovative ways to reuse and recycle food waste. Inspired by global best practices, our institution can develop a sustainable solution to this shared problem.

Another layer of solution to the current food waste scenario at Ashoka University is the composting initiative. Currently, the university actively composts food waste, but this presents its own set of challenges. Proper segregation of dry and wet waste is crucial for effective food waste recycling. Ensuring that segregation occurs consistently poses a challenge for the composting initiative to reach its full potential. We must also explore additional strategies for reducing and recycling food waste on campus. One such suggestion is to intensify awareness campaigns and implement designated zero-waste days. This approach, endorsed by survey respondents, can significantly change individual behaviours and attitudes toward food waste.

In proposing a way forward, there is a need for further research to understand the demand for food waste management plans from various stakeholders. LiveGreen@Ashoka, with its enthusiastic student volunteers, is positioned to lead the charge in developing and implementing an effective food waste management plan on campus. The hope is that this collaborative effort will foster a greater understanding of the food waste problem and pave the way for sustainable solutions.

As we extend our gratitude to LiveGreen@Ashoka for their unwavering support and commitment to sustainability goals, we look forward to continued collaboration with their dedicated team. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in shedding light on the complexities of the food waste issue, and together, we aim to deepen our exploration of this critical concern.