Global Food Waste and the Netherlands: Steps Towards Accomplishing SDG’s target 12.3

Abstract

The issue of global food waste is tackled by the United Nations (UN) through target 12.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals: ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’. This article analyzes the Netherlands’ current situation regarding target 12.3, considering the problematic of food waste in addition to its role as one of the main causes of environmental pollution and a big contributor to the global carbon footprint. It includes a historical analysis of the current situation, the main actors involved, an overview of adopted measures along with the level of success and/or failure of these measures. The analysis contains some expectations for the coming years and an overview of where the Netherlands has succeeded and in which areas there is room for improvement. It concludes with a general evaluation of the country’s situation in regards to the issue, as well as some suggestions as possible further steps towards target 12.3.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, food waste, Netherlands, consumption.