The UNEP has designated the official hashtag #BillionDreams to represent this year's campaign, and has debuted infographics for people to share ideas and inspirations for a better and more sustainable world. Actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio is also part of the effort, asking the global community to think about one thing they can do to fight over consumption and food waste and share their ideas on social media.
When it comes to preventing food waste, there are already a number of standards in use, both in the U.S. and worldwide. These standards, which have been developed by members and stakeholders of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), provide important assistance in reducing and effectively managing food-related waste.
For example, a standard developed by ASTM International, ANSI member and audited member, ASTM F1736-09, Standard Guide for Irradiation of Finfish and Aquatic Invertebrates Used as Food to Control Pathogens and Spoilage Microorganisms, provides procedures and operations for the safe irradiation of chilled or frozen fish and aquatic invertebrates, including bivalve shellfish and crustaceans, for the purposes of reducing spoilage and minimizing pathogens.
ASTM E2773-11, Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Food and Beverage for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences, can help reduce food and beverage waste associated with business meetings, trade shows, and other events, and also addresses aspects of waste management, energy and water related practices, and associated training related to provision of food and beverage.
Packaging is also an integral part of global sustainability efforts. The International Standard for Organization's (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 122, Packaging, Subcommittee (SC) 4, Packaging and environment, developed ISO 18606:2013, Packaging and the environment - Organic recycling, a standard that specifies requirements and procedures for the organic recycling of packaging material. ANSI member and accredited standards developer the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) serves as the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Administrator to both ISO TC 122 and SC 4.
For additional standards related to global sustainability, click here.
To get involved with World Environment Day, read more about the coverage and opportunities to help the reverse global consumption by clicking here.