The Olympic Games, one of the most significant international events, has been recently exposed for its food waste. According to reports, during the 2016 Rio Olympics, more than 16,000 tons of food was wasted, which could have fed nearly 10 million people.
The reason behind the food waste is due to the complex food ordering system used by the Olympic teams. The food orders are based on the dietary requirements and preferences of each team member, which often leads to over-ordering and wastage. Moreover, the chefs at the Olympic village are not allowed to reuse or donate leftover food due to safety regulations.
Apart from the ethical issues of wasting food, food waste also has a significant impact on the environment. When food is thrown away, it ends up in landfills, where it produces methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, that contributes to climate change.
To address this issue, several initiatives have been taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reduce food waste during the Olympic Games. One such initiative is the "Olympic Food Project," which aims to reduce food waste by 50% during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Under this project, the IOC has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other organizations to promote sustainable food practices.
The project includes several measures to reduce food waste, such as using biodegradable plates and cutlery, donating excess food to local charities, composting food waste, and educating athletes and staff about sustainable food practices.
In addition to reducing food waste, these initiatives can also have a positive impact on the athletes' performance. Sustainable food practices can lead to fresher and healthier food, which can improve the athletes' overall health and wellbeing.
In conclusion, the Olympic Games have been exposed for their food waste, but initiatives like the "Olympic Food Project" show that the IOC is taking steps to address this issue. By promoting sustainable food practices and reducing food waste, not only can the Olympic Games contribute to a more sustainable future, but it can also have a positive impact on the athletes' health and performance.