Over the past two weeks, global leaders have met in Paris for COP21 to discuss how the world can address climate change. Yet a Harris Poll study from Sealed Air shows that the biggest environmental concern in the eyes of those with the most purchasing power - consumers - is food waste. According to the study, 63 percent of grocery shoppers are concerned about food waste, compared to 53 percent for climate change.

Food waste and climate change

What is even more interesting is that according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), if food waste were a country, it would be the third largest GHG emitter in the world - just behind China and the United States. Food waste is so intricately linked to energy, water, and climate change that by addressing the issue of wasted food, other environmental concerns are inherently affected.

Consumer brand recognition

Corporate and political leaders should recognize that we can make meaningful impact on both climate change and water usage by addressing food waste. As an added benefit, those who succeed in doing so will position themselves more favorably in the eyes of their consumers - or at least 63% of them.

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