From Plate to Planet: Minimizing Food Waste for Climate Health

The project on food waste management includes various initiatives aimed at reducing waste and raising awareness. A biogas system was implemented in the college to convert food waste into energy, promoting sustainability. Visits to local Raithu Bazaars and Goshalas provided insights into effective waste management practices, while interviews with the mess in-charge identified significant areas of food waste. An awareness session educated students on minimizing food waste, complemented by a social media campaign to further spread the message. Observations of hostel food consumption patterns led to the implementation of waste-reduction strategies like portion control and better meal planning. An Instagram challenge encouraged participants to creatively repurpose waste, although challenges remain in changing student behavior, ensuring long-term engagement, and expanding efforts beyond the campus.

The project has achieved significant waste reduction at the college mess through awareness campaigns and waste monitoring, improving food efficiency and lowering disposal rates. By educating the community about the environmental impacts of food waste, it has fostered a greater sense of responsibility and encouraged sustainable food practices. The composting program has successfully transformed food scraps into nutrient-rich compost, enhancing soil fertility and supporting local initiatives like Haritha Haram. Additionally, the biogas system proposal outlines a plan to convert organic waste into renewable energy, potentially reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. Collaboration with the GHMC is also proposed to enable broader implementation of biogas and composting systems, further promoting regional sustainability.

TEAM MEMBERS

• Dammalapati Bhavana
• Chintakunta Mani Harshitha
• Likitha Vajinepalli
• Deepika Gedala