Circular economy in food consumption: zero waste management and food banks

The concept of a linear economy, based on linear production, although still dominant in the global economy, has become unsustainable in the long term. Rapid population growth, technological development and globalization have led to the consumption of much more natural resources than the planet can offer. A model that would help solve the problem of unsustainability is the circular economy. In contrast to the traditional linear model, circular concept has the aim to reduce harmful effects on the environment, which is reflected in the reduction of emissions of harmful gases, less use of natural resources and prevention of waste generation. In response to the changed needs in the world, especially in terms of food consumption, initiatives of zero waste management and food banks were established. Thus, the aim is to reduce waste production in such a way that the food is used in all its parts, while the remaining ready-made food is not thrown away, but stored in food banks. These are initiatives that are particularly interesting, although they are not yet fully implemented in all parts of the world. In this paper, both initiatives will be described in detail, while through a case study, the functioning of zero waste management and food donating will be shown on the example of Hiša Franko restaurant in Kobarid, Slovenia