Approximately 1.3 billion tons of foods are getting wasted around the world -- that is about a third of the world's total amount of food. The problem it conveys isn't just about financial. Food wasting can also lead to wasteful use of pesticide, fuels and other chemicals used for transportation and farming and increase the production of methane-one of the harmful gasses which can contribute to climate change.
That's what urged the founders of WeFood to open Denmark's first "waste supermarket." With the goal to help the world conquer its waste and food problem, they opened their business Monday, Feb. 22. The new supermarket in Copenhagen offers goods that are passed its official expiry date or have damaged packaging for almost 50 percent lower compared to other grocery stores.
"WeFood is the first supermarket of its kind in Denmark and perhaps the world as it is not just aimed at low income shoppers but anyone who is concerned about the amount of food waste produced in this country," shared Folkekirkens Nødhjælp, spokesman Per Bjerre, in his interviews with Independent. "Many people see this as a positive and politically correct way to approach the issue."
As reported by the New York Daily News, hundreds of people had attended the grand opening of the world's first waste supermarket. The business has been welcomed not just by ordinary people but also by politicians, business leaders and even the royal family themselves. In fact, Princess Mary even inaugurated the opening of the supermarket.
The business, which is operated by volunteers, doesn't just aim to help the environment. It also aims to help other people especially those who are living in underdeveloped countries by donating the store's profit to them.
"It's ridiculous that food is just thrown out or goes to waste," said Eva Kjer Hansen, the food minister in Denmark. "A supermarket like WeFood makes so much sense and is an important step in the battle to combat food waste."
