Korea leads world in food waste recycling.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, globally we waste about 1.4 billion tons of food every year, enough to nourish more than 2 billion food-insecure people yearly. Almost all of it ends up in landfills, causing 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To address the challenge, Korea has created an innovative system that recycles 98% of its food waste, converting it into fertilizer and biogas. This remarkable achievement is the result of a comprehensive and rigorous system developed over three decades that includes fines for improper disposal, mandatory composting, and innovative technology. Citizens also play a crucial role, by paying fees based on the amount of waste they produce, which has fostered a culture of awareness and responsibility.

Korea is a laureate of three Shining World Leadership Awards for Compassion and Shining World Leadership Awards for Protection and Peace.

Splendid news, Korea, on your remarkable food waste recycling program. May other countries follow your shining example for a more pristine world, in Buddha’s benevolence.