BVI News

Theodore James

AgriCore VI has been a vision of mine for the past six months. It is my intention that we as a people would begin to take a new look at how local, regional and international agriculture affects us and enhances our present and future.

AgriCore VI will periodically feature interviews and editorials from industry professionals throughout our local, regional and international markets.  We must never forget that agriculture breathes life and without life we cease to exist.

As I look at my household practices, I would like to begin this new undertaking by mentioning a few things on reducing wastage from a food perspective. First, the definition of wastage according to www.thefreedictionary.com, is the loss by deterioration, wear, or destruction.

Many of us recognize wastage everyday when we open our refrigerators, freezers and cupboards. We buy groceries that end up getting thrown away either because it is freezer burnt beyond recognition or because it has been sitting in the refrigerator too long. This sometimes happens because we lost the craving or because the item may have been expired for some time.

I am sure that for many of us food wastage digs more into our pockets than our entertainment costs. However, whenever we decide to take note of the way we do things, we realize that the more we try to and succeed in reducing wastage, the further our finances stretch.

Here are some tips that I have been trying and some that I yet have to try in an attempt in reducing food wastage.

·         separate meats and un-re-sealable items such as cookies in smaller or portioned packages as you get home from the market.
·         mince and dice perishables, like onions and celery, place in zip-lock bags and store in freezer.
·         puree, juice or make fruit cups, jams or jellies from fruits and vegetables that seems to be sitting for too long.
·         be creative and use what is left in cupboards, freezer or refrigerator for a meal.
·         cook in manageable portions.
·         substitute expensive products for cheaper yet wholesome products
·         eat light at night
·         drink more water
·         donate items to the needy

Many consumers believe that because a tomato has a split or because it has burst means that it is not edible. On the contrary, most tomatoes burst because the plant may have received a high volume of water causing the flesh of the tomato to expand quicker than its skin. Many supermarkets end up taking produce like these off shelves and throwing them away because consumers prefer unblemished or unbroken goods.

To further clarify, many retailers and producers suffer loss in revenue due to consumer preference. Grading sets benchmarks as to what standards are preferred. A major reason why there is so much food wastage is because consumers are particular with what they want.

Some produce also end up in hands of pig farmers which is not a problem, however there are many individuals that go hungry and could really use those items. I do agree with taking produce and products that do not meet industry standards off shelves, however, we should allow those consumers that are financially challenged to buy those undesired produce and products at the back of the market at a reduce price. Supermarkets, bakeries and others can reduce food wastage by:

·         giving some damaged foods a second chance.
·         donating some damaged foods to soup kitchens to feed the homeless or the shut-in.
·         giving families that cannot meet all their needs a lift up by donating unmarketable but safe and edible products.
·         donating or selling at a reduced price to other social programs and institutions that could utilize products quicker

In some cases, not all damaged, undesired or past “best before date” products pose a health risk.

I had the opportunity to interview a mother who has to provide for her six (6) children. Her salary falls just under $30,000.00 per year. She explained that it is no easy task living day to day with all the expenses she incurs. In the list below are few things she shared that made her life better and also helped to reduce wastage.

She does the following:

·         creates an essential shopping list of basic items the household needs
·         identifies unnecessary and unwanted things and ceases from purchasing them
·         purchases more fruits rather than buying highly processed foods
·         cuts out buying sodas and juices and uses the fruits in her garden to make homemade drinks
·         refrains from buying name brand goods and purchase generic brands
·         checks expiration dates and note the stores that will be placing needed items on sale shelves
·         joined a network of women who vigorously search for bargains
·         controls the items bought by securing them from her children and monitors their eating habits

She also mentioned that though her savings has not grown exponentially, she is better off today than where she was five years ago. Five years ago her household went to bed many nights hungry, but due to a radical turn around in her practices, her family is better off today.

If we look at our pocket books, wastage matters. I do not know the average salary in the British Virgin Islands however I know that for many people, living life continues to be a struggle. Some of the practices that I mentioned may not be adopted by many consumers however for those who are feeling the pressure of day to day living consider the options before you. Why suffer and go hungry when there are other ways to relieve the pressures of life.

In all things use wisdom, especially when it deals with food items. Always keep in mind that food safety should be of the highest importance. Though parts of meat cuts may not be suited for sale but can be giving away, make sure that it was stored at the appropriate temperature before you make any decision to collect. The same goes for all produce and products that require storage at specific temperatures.

Reducing waste positively reflects in our pocket books whether it be in food or utilities.

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