There are many reasons why we should eliminate food waste. The World Bank recently listed five arguments why cities should take a leading role on food waste. A yearly contribution of 3.3 gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent is one consequence of food waste. This is more than the total emissions of India in two years. According to the World Resources Institute, food waste in cities costs millions.
Urban regions play a decisive role because they are centers of consumption. For example, when it comes to fish, the world’s largest metropolis Tokyo is also one of the largest fish consuming cities. This is associated with considerable fish waste. The growing middle class with steadily increasing purchasing power, especially in cities in emerging countries, demands more and more fish.
In 2025 the urban demand of finfish is estimated to range from 56.8 to 76.6 million tons every year
For instance, the estimated urban demand of finfish in 2025 ranges from 56.8 to 76.6 million tons every year. This means millions of tons of fish waste if one takes into consideration that leftovers from fish processing possibly weigh more than the consumed fillet. In other words, more than 50 percent of processed fish can be unused leftovers. It is a pity. Leftovers also contain a lot of vitamins and minerals.
In order to reduce fish waste, NewfoodZ launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Allegedly, it is the largest food industry crowdfunding campaign goal ever. This US$1.5 million, 45-day campaign aims to reduce industrial food waste in the fishing industry by turning leftovers into powdered food supplements.
Their wild-caught salmon waste recovery project in Alaska combats food waste at the beginning of the process chain. The science behind NewfoodZ is its innovative, low-energy, chemical-free preservation and dehydration process. The entire rack and head with skins will be processed to high nutritional fish products. The crowdfunded pilot plant mills the recovered material to a very small size. It can be used as pet food or for humans. This is probably more environmentally friendly than dumping it in the sea.
Donators get a package of Orange Peel Powder made of recycled orange peel. Co-founder Christian Murray said, “We hope the public will recognize that by supporting us they’ll receive a great reward in our Orange Peel Powder. They also impact the whole world by helping bring our concept to the food industry and reduce food waste on a global scale.” If you are really convinced and able to donate generously to the project, you receive a free flight and accommodation for two to visit their operation plant in Alaska plus further amenities.
