Doggy Bag Italy

Italians have long been known for their love of good food. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos found that Italians are among the most attentive and knowledgeable eaters in the world. However, despite this culinary passion, Italy has struggled with the issue of food waste.

According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately one-third of the food produced globally for human consumption is wasted each year. In Italy, this equates to around 5 million tons of food waste per year. This is not only ethically problematic but also environmentally concerning. Food waste not only wastes resources but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Realizing the severity of the issue, several restaurants in Italy have started offering the “ bag,” or “il pacchetto da asporto” in Italian, to their customers. The doggy bag is a container provided to diners to take their uneaten food home, rather than wasting it. Although common in other countries, this practice is relatively new in Italy, where taking home leftovers from restaurants was once seen as improper.

The doggy bag initiative not only reduces food waste but also helps to address the issue of hunger and food insecurity in Italy. The Caritas Italiana, a Catholic charity organization, estimates that approximately 8 million people in Italy struggle with food insecurity. Doggy bags can play a small but significant role in reducing this problem.

Several cities and regions in Italy have taken steps to encourage the adoption of the doggy bag initiative. For example, in 2016 the Region of Veneto, in collaboration with the Veneto Hoteliers’ Association, launched the “Take it Home” project. Participating restaurants in the region offer doggy bags to customers, and information is provided to educate diners on the importance of avoiding food waste.

Other cities, such as Florence, have launched their own initiatives to reduce food waste. In 2018, the city launched the “Florence Eat Smart” project, which promotes sustainable and responsible consumption practices. The project encourages participating restaurants to offer doggy bags and even provides them with biodegradable containers to use.

Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to reduce food waste in Italy. The issue is compounded by the fact that many Italian restaurants serve large portions, making it difficult for diners to finish their meals. In addition, cultural attitudes towards food waste need to change.

Restaurants can play a leading role in this change by encouraging the use of doggy bags and reducing portion sizes. Customers also need to be educated on the importance of avoiding food waste and how they can contribute to this effort. Finally, local authorities can provide support to restaurants and implement policies that promote sustainable consumption practices.

In conclusion, the doggy bag initiative is a simple but effective way to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in Italy. It is heartening to see that the initiative is gaining traction in Italy and that several cities and regions are taking steps to encourage its adoption. However, reducing food waste ultimately requires a societal shift in attitudes towards food and consumption. With continued effort and a collaborative approach, Italy can lead the way to a more sustainable future.