In our previous blog, we explored the shocking financial burden of food waste for Malaysian households. However, the issue extends beyond just money - its a hidden environmental crisis. Wasted food contributes significantly to global warming by increasing carbon footprint.

Every plate of wasted food represents wasted water, energy, and resources. Let’s dive into how food waste is harming the planet and how our team at Hopes Malaysia is working to tackle this issue with innovative waste management initiatives.
Where Are We Wasting Food?
Improper Storage: Many families lack knowledge about storing food properly, leading to spoilage. According to a survey by Scientifica (2022), food spoilage contributes to 30.32% to average Malaysian household food waste.
Throwing Away Usable Parts: Often, edible parts of ingredients are discarded. For example, carrot tops can be added to soups or salads after their leaves are stripped from the stems.
Letting Food Expire: Poor inventory management can lead to foods going bad before consumption.A study found that 32.15% of food waste in Malaysian households is due to expired items, while 16.93% is due to food being perceived as no longer fresh (Scientifica, 2022).
Oversized Portions: Serving excessive amounts can lead to leftovers that go uneaten. The study by Scientifica (2022), also shows that the most serious food waste occurs at weddings (51.77%) and commercial banquets (39.14%).
Environmental Impact of Food Waste
Did you know that food waste accounts for around 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions? In Malaysia, that translates to thousands of tonnes of methane emissions released from food rotting in landfills, leading to significant environmental costs associated with food waste.

Vast amounts of water, energy, and fuel are wasted at every stage of the food supply chain—from production to disposal. Reducing food waste by even a small percentage can make a massive impact on our carbon footprint—especially as Malaysia strives toward greener initiatives.
How Our Organization is Working to Tackle Food Waste
At Hopes Malaysia, we are committed to fighting food waste through innovative projects that both reduce waste and contribute to sustainable development. Below are two major initiatives we’re working on, each tackling food waste in a unique way and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Project 1: Turning Expired Commercial Dried Food into Fish Feed

One of our key initiatives involves repurposing expired commercial dried food into fish feed, which supports local fish farming and strengthens food security in rural communities.

By transforming food waste into valuable resources, it not only reduces waste but also helps local farmers by providing affordable fish feed and reducing their financial burden from having to buy expensive commercial feed.
Click the button below to read more about our initiative to turn expired food waste into fish feed and how it can benefit the community and environment.
Project 2 - Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Farming

In addition to our fish feed initiative, we employ BSF larvae to process organic food waste. These larvae can consume twice their body weight daily, helping to efficiently process large amounts of food waste. Their frass can be used as organic fertilizer for crops while they can be fed to livestocks as affordable and high protein feed. This circular solution can help transform waste into a valuable resource for rural communities we serve.
The potential amount of waste that can be reduced with BSF larvae:
Number of Larvae | Food Waste Consumed Per Day |
100 | 200 grams |
1,000 | 2 kilograms |
10,000 | 20 kilograms |
Click the button below to read more about the potential of BSF farming in reducing food waste and its potential benefits to the community.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and ESG Principles

SDG 1: No Poverty: By providing affordable fish or livestock feed, it can alleviate the economic burden on low-income families in rural Sabah, helping them to sustain their livelihoods.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By repurposing food waste, it contributes to sustainable local food production and enhances local food security.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Our initiatives focus on reducing waste generation through the repurposing of food waste, aligning directly with this goal.
SDG 13: Climate Action: Reducing food waste helps decrease methane emissions from landfills, mitigating climate change.
SDG 15: Life on Land: Minimizing food waste protects ecosystems, promotes biodiversity, and contributes to healthier land environments.
ESG Alignment: We prioritize sustainable practices and foster inclusive economic opportunities for rural communities by integrating small-scale farmers into our waste-to-feed system. This reflects our commitment to creating long-term social and environmental value.
Innovating for Sustainability: Reducing Waste, Empowering Communities
Malaysia’s food waste issue reflects a broader global challenge, but with the innovative solutions explored by Hopes Malaysia, there is significant potential to make strides toward sustainability. By addressing both the environmental and social dimensions of waste management, we believe we can help build a more sustainable future for Sabah’s rural communities.
At Hopes Malaysia, we are committed to driving positive change through innovative waste management solutions that not only benefit the environment but also uplift society. As we continue to innovate and find new ways to repurpose waste and promote sustainability, our dedication to SDGs and ESG principles remains at the core of our efforts. We are focused on creating sustainable solutions that align with global objectives and improve the lives of communities across Malaysia.
Join Us in Creating a Sustainable Future
If you are passionate about sustainability and want to support our mission, visit our website today to learn more about our projects and how you can get involved. Together, we can build a more sustainable Malaysia for future generations.
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