Engleski A - 2023. ljeto, reading 1.

A Alan

Checking the production and use-by dates on the products prior to buying or consuming them is what I consider crucial in fighting the constant wasting of food, especially food that has a short shelf-life. I’m determined to do it every time I do grocery shopping, thus avoiding overspending. However, I find it very difficult to make a distinction between sell-by date and use-by date. One has to be an expert to understand this! Plus sometimes this date cannot be read due to very small, smudged or blurry print.

B Ben

In the case of food waste, it is mostly considered a problem at the family level: parents buy too much food, mothers cook too much of it or family members often eat out. I think a lot can be done in the domain of consumers’ behaviour. For instance, the family can plan their meals more carefully. Thus, food and money are not wasted. Also, a lot more can be done before the food actually comes to our table. For example, we can establish better standards in factories and transport, especially limiting CO2 emissions or introducing other regulatory measures.

C Celine

Contrary to my belief, most people consider food waste a minor modern-day issue, which can easily be solved by organising charities to raise awareness. Having done a lot of research into the problem at university, I can say that one of the main drivers of generating food waste is growing prosperity. This, combined with declining food prices, has enabled the citizens of the developed world to care less about the surplus food they buy and throw away. There has also been a lot of research about the rising number of single households – the percentage of food waste there is appalling.

D David

In my opinion, food waste is more a product of irresponsible individuals or society as a whole than a technical or economic issue. Prevention is always the key. Small shops like butchers’, groceries and bakeries can be encouraged to work together and redistribute the surplus food to those in need. It’s highly likely that your – or a neighbouring town – has a food bank or a charity that will be more than happy to help you transport food that has valid use-by date labels. In this way, safe, edible food will be consumed and not wasted.

E Eve

In my view, whatever the issue is, it is easier to deal with it before the problem snowballs. One of the measures I suggest is the abolition of financial subsidies on food. This will result in a rise in food prices. I always think twice when buying food and preparing meals, simply because I despise overspending and I’m a responsible citizen. When I read the city council’s reports on how much food ends up in the landfill in my town on a daily basis I’m really angry. Obviously, other people are unaware of the economic impact on every household.

F Fiona

What I see daily in the apartment block where I live worries me. Surplus food is thrown away and put into the mixed rubbish bin. Why is it such a big problem for people to sort out biodegradable waste and put it in the proper bin? I’m sure the situation would improve if the city council imposed higher fines for those who do not sort out the garbage properly. What I’m trying to say is that we have good laws but they are ignored most of the time.