The Hidden Cost of Convenience: How Virtual Food Shopping Fuels Global Food Waste

As people adapted to the digital age, significant changes occurred in daily habits. Online applications began influencing everything from news consumption to social media use, and even shopping preferences. The Internet, once primarily a tool for information, has evolved into a dominant force in commerce, reshaping traditional shopping habits. Virtual platforms, with their convenience and variety, have particularly revolutionized food shopping, drawing consumers toward the ease of purchasing groceries online.

The Rise of E-Commerce and Its Impact on Food Shopping

With the rapid expansion of technology, internet usage has skyrocketed globally. According to recent statistics, there are over 4.47 billion active internet users worldwide, representing 58% of the global population. Mobile usage has also surged, with 67% of people now accessing the internet via mobile devices. As internet accessibility continues to grow, its role in e-commerce has become increasingly prominent. For instance, in Turkey, e-commerce grew by 1.4% annually, reaching $5.9 billion in 2019. Food expenditures alone increased by 1.9% annually, surpassing $2 billion during this period.

These figures underscore the Internet's transition from a mere information tool to a crucial component of global commerce. As the potential of e-commerce continues to be realized, it is expected to gain even greater momentum in the coming years.

Agricultural Advancements and the Shift to Online Marketing

Technological advancements have also significantly impacted the agricultural sector. New agricultural technologies have enabled producers to grow crops year-round, prompting them to explore new marketing avenues, including online platforms. Many producers have begun selling their food products online, achieving both financial and moral satisfaction by reaching consumers across Turkey and even globally.

The Dark Side of Convenience: Virtual Food Shopping and Food Waste

However, the shift towards virtual food shopping has raised concerns about its impact on food waste. Several factors contribute to this issue. First, the vast array of products available on virtual platforms, coupled with discounts and promotional offers, often encourages consumers to make unnecessary and unplanned purchases. Additionally, the existence of minimum basket amounts—a common feature on virtual food shopping platforms—forces consumers to buy more than they need to meet order requirements. The inability to physically inspect products before purchase, coupled with the time delay in receiving orders, can also lead to increased waste. Moreover, returned products from virtual shopping are at risk of being wasted.

Global Implications and the Need for Conscious Shopping

This trend is not just a national issue but a global one that demands careful attention. To address the problem of food waste in virtual shopping, consumers must develop more conscious and need-oriented shopping habits. Virtual retailers also have a role to play by implementing policies aimed at reducing waste, such as offering recycling options to customers and adhering to existing waste reduction policies.

For instance, the rise of responsible production and social awareness has pushed entrepreneurs to address societal problems more actively. Consumers are increasingly favoring brands that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, while avoiding those that fail to address or acknowledge these issues. Therefore, virtual shopping retailers must take proactive measures to prevent and reduce food waste as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The Need for Action: Restrictions and Policies to Curb Food Waste

Research has shown that virtual food shopping does indeed contribute to increased food waste. As such, it would be prudent to implement restrictions on food trade within e-commerce platforms rather than limiting e-commerce itself. This approach could help mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of food waste.

Globally, approximately one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted each year. In Turkey alone, an estimated 93 kilograms of food per person is wasted annually. This equates to 17% of ready-to-eat food in retail outlets, homes, and restaurants going directly to waste.

The Global Disparity in Food Waste

The disparity in food waste between developed and developing countries is stark. In developing nations, 44% of food loss occurs due to inadequate infrastructure in production, storage, processing, distribution, and marketing. In contrast, 56% of food waste in developed countries occurs at the retail and consumption stages. This waste extends beyond the food itself, as it also represents a loss of the energy resources used in labor, logistics, water use, cooking, and storage. Consequently, food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates climate change.

According to the 2021 Food Waste Index Report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), 61% of food waste occurs at the household level, while 26% happens in the service sector and 13% in the retail sector.

The Alarming Reality of Global Food Waste

The fact that more than one-third of all food produced globally is wasted is alarming, especially considering that one in nine people worldwide faces hunger. Moreover, 25% of the world's freshwater supply is used to grow food that ultimately goes to waste. An area larger than China is needed to cultivate food that is never consumed, leading to enormous environmental and resource waste.

Conclusion: Addressing Food Waste as a Global Priority

In a world where famine and drought are pressing concerns, and with the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, addressing food production and waste is as critical as ensuring national security. Implementing effective measures to curb food waste, particularly in the context of virtual food shopping, is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Mithat Direk is serving the Department of Agricultural Economics, Selcuk University, Konya-Türkiye.

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