Designing Future Food System: Integrating Sustainable Design and Food Waste Hierarchy

Abstract

Food waste remains a critical global challenge, particularly in Sydney, Australia. Despite sufficient food production to satisfy market demands, issues of hunger persists alongside excessive waste. Existing research and cases studies frequently address discrete stages of the system, often lacking a comprehensive system perspective. This design project in collaboration with three non-profit organizations, targets small food retailers and young consumers (aged 18-24) to promote sustainable practices. Guided by the food waste hierarchy framework, the design emphasizes prevention through source reduction as the most effective intervention. Future informed by speculative design theory and systems analysis, particularly the concept of leverage points. The design project seeks to strengthen posit