The Complexity of Individual Food Waste

Numerous governmental and international organizations have attempted to tackle food waste, but the results have been varied. For instance, a three-year campaign in New Zealand aimed at reducing food waste only managed to decrease it from 3.17 kg to 3.15 kg per week—hardly a significant change.

Changing people's behaviors surrounding food is not a simple task. Many individuals believe they already handle food responsibly. Even if someone recognizes the need to change, it’s not just a matter of avoiding certain items; it involves monitoring every food product in their fridge and pantry—an overwhelming task for anyone juggling daily stressors.

So, could delegating food decisions to an AI-powered fridge be the solution?

The Case for Smart Refrigerators

In a recent episode of Akimbo titled "What’s in the Fridge," Seth Godin argues that food waste is a systemic issue that requires comprehensive solutions. People often forget what they have on hand when planning meals, and the convenience of dining out contributes significantly to global obesity rates.

Many shoppers stick to familiar choices, even at farmer’s markets, opting for salmon or shrimp instead of local seafood, which fosters unsustainable consumption patterns beyond just food waste.

Seth proposes a connected fridge that keeps track of its contents, reminds users of items that need to be consumed, suggests recipes, and can automatically reorder supplies based on usage patterns and seasonal availability.

In 2019, when this idea was first shared, only prototypes existed. Now, smart fridges capable of scanning contents, recommending meals, and facilitating orders are available for purchase.

The Samsung Family Hub smart fridge is a glimpse into this vision. However, it currently lacks the functionality to make grocery orders autonomously without user input.

While the cheapest model retails for around $1,800, there are more affordable alternatives like the Smart Fridge Cam, which tracks inventory for approximately $125.

Nevertheless, simply having access to information won't resolve the underlying issues within the food supply chain or consumer habits. These fridges still cannot make healthier choices on our behalf.

But is that even a feasible goal? If we allow automatic ordering, who determines which brands can sell to our smart fridge? The prospect of creating a new digital monopoly is concerning, especially with ongoing antitrust cases against major tech companies, highlighting the risks of concentrated power.

When one entity controls access to a digital marketplace, it can suppress competition. For instance, Amazon often replicates successful products and undercuts original sellers with its “Amazon Basics” line.

This situation resonates with concerns raised by economist Yanis Varoufakis, who critiques the current economic system, referring to it as "techno-feudalism."

The Dangers of Delegated Decision-Making

What would happen if we permitted companies like Amazon to dictate our fridge purchases? I foresee significant drawbacks. An endless supply of generic ice cream and cookie dough is hardly a recipe for improved health or reduced waste.

For many, the need to physically shop helps manage their weight. Should governments take it upon themselves to regulate which food items can be sold automatically? This raises ethical questions.

While it’s justifiable to restrict harmful products like cigarettes, permitting government control over our dietary choices feels excessive.