Summary: In this episode of Rethink What Matters, Paul welcomes Matthew Unerman, the Food Sustainability Manager at Compassion in World Farming. This engaging discussion focuses on food waste recovery, a pressing issue that affects our economy and environment. Matthew shares his personal journey, beginning with his university activism at Durham University, where he first became aware of the sheer volume of food waste. His frustration at seeing perfectly edible food being discarded inspired him to take action, ultimately leading to his current role in promoting sustainable practices.Matthew describes how the issue of food waste extends far beyond individual households; it encompasses the entire supply chain, from farms to retailers. He highlights that while retailers often bear the brunt of criticism for food waste, the responsibility extends to producers and consumers as well. This interconnectedness emphasizes the need for a collective approach to tackling the problem, as waste produced at various stages contributes to a larger crisis.Key Discussion Points: The conversation delves into the reasons behind food waste, including the challenges retailers face in maintaining stocked shelves. Matthew points out that retailers prefer to have more food than necessary to avoid empty shelves, which results in an overwhelming surplus that often ends up in landfills. This scenario shifts accountability for food waste back to the producers and farmers, who struggle to manage the implications of consumer behaviour and market demands.Throughout the episode, Matthew articulates a dual perspective of optimism and pessimism regarding food waste recovery. He acknowledges the overwhelming statistics surrounding waste but also recognises a growing trend in public awareness and advocacy. More people are engaging with the topic, and innovative solutions are emerging, such as apps and initiatives aimed at reducing waste. However, he cautions that the current interest in food waste must translate into sustained action rather than becoming a fleeting trend.Matthew's background in anthropology lends a unique lens to the discussion. He explains how humans have evolved in their relationship with food and waste, highlighting that our ancestors had no concept of food waste as they were hunter-gatherers. The shift to agriculture has changed our behaviour, leading to challenges in our ability to remember and manage food consumption effectively.Guest Quotes:"Because retailers don't want empty shelves... this inevitably causes the accountability of that returned food waste from the retailer to go back to the producers or to the farmers.""I think the key thing before looking to address it is to understand where it comes from and why it comes from.""Don’t blame the farmers. It’s not the farmer’s fault that there’s food waste on farm."Actionable Insights: Matthew suggests that understanding the roots of food waste is essential for developing effective solutions. He stresses the importance of local partnerships with food banks and charities to recover surplus food. Initiatives like Odd Box, which sell 'wonky' vegetables that don’t meet retail standards, illustrate how creative solutions can reduce waste while providing access to fresh produce.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own food consumption habits and consider simple steps they can take to reduce waste. Cooking from scratch is not only a way to minimise waste but also fosters family connections, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.Listen Now: Join Paul and Matthew for an enlightening conversation about food waste recovery and discover how each of us can play a part in creating a more sustainable food system. Tune in to learn more about the complexities of food waste and the actions we can take to make a difference.