It can be hard to picture something that isn't there. And that's exactly what food waste prevention creates: food waste that is not there anymore. It's why prevention is such a powerful solution. Other options for dealing with food waste - like diversion to compost or donations - have their place, but they only deal with food waste after it is created, after you've incurred their cost, and after it's had substantial environmental impact. Using Leanpath's food waste data, we've created a visual to help you "see" prevention.

This is a recurring feature where Leanpath Executive Chef Robb White examines real food waste images from Leanpath 360s and shares insights based on what he sees.

Food waste has received substantial global attention in the last 4-5 years, as well it should. Along with food waste, plastic waste is now the subject of enormous global focus – and deservedly so. As with food waste, the scale of plastic waste – and its environmental impact – is truly alarming. These twin challenges are linked: A great deal of plastic waste is related to food, and much of it ends up in landfills, rivers, and the oceans.

Food Matters Live has recognized Leanpath with the Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award. Food Matters Live, hosted in London, brought in 800 leading organizations, 400 speakers, and thousands of visitors across a range of professions and disciplines, all with one goal: creating cross-sector connections focused on the future of food, drink and sustainable nutrition.