Seeds of Change: Exploring Tomato Waste and Circular Futures
Seeds of Change: Exploring Tomato Waste and Circular Futures
Seeds of Change: Exploring Tomato Waste and Circular Futures
Project
Overview
Project Overview
Project
Overview
The Weight of Tomato Waste and Into the Tomatoverse are two interconnected projects examining the lifecycle and environmental impact of tomato waste through both systemic and future-focused lenses. The Weight of Tomato Waste, completed in Understanding Systems, analyzed the effects of tomato waste within food systems, identifying leverage points and systemic impacts on sustainability. Building on this foundation, Into the Tomatoverse, developed in Foresight Studio, reimagined the tomato industry within potential circular economy futures. Together, these projects provide a comprehensive exploration of the tomato supply chain, envisioning actionable pathways toward a more sustainable future.
The Weight of Tomato Waste and Into the Tomatoverse are two interconnected projects examining the lifecycle and environmental impact of tomato waste through both systemic and future-focused lenses. The Weight of Tomato Waste, completed in Understanding Systems, analyzed the effects of tomato waste within food systems, identifying leverage points and systemic impacts on sustainability. Building on this foundation, Into the Tomatoverse, developed in Foresight Studio, reimagined the tomato industry within potential circular economy futures. Together, these projects provide a comprehensive exploration of the tomato supply chain, envisioning actionable pathways toward a more sustainable future.
The Weight of Tomato Waste and Into the Tomatoverse are two interconnected projects examining the lifecycle and environmental impact of tomato waste through both systemic and future-focused lenses. The Weight of Tomato Waste, completed in Understanding Systems, analyzed the effects of tomato waste within food systems, identifying leverage points and systemic impacts on sustainability. Building on this foundation, Into the Tomatoverse, developed in Foresight Studio, reimagined the tomato industry within potential circular economy futures. Together, these projects provide a comprehensive exploration of the tomato supply chain, envisioning actionable pathways toward a more sustainable future.
Team
Team
Morgan Bath
Travis Erickson
Pan Xie
Pranav Miglani
Yining Wang
Morgan Bath
Travis Erickson
Pan Xie
Pranav Miglani
Yining Wang
Morgan Bath
Travis Erickson
Pan Xie
Pranav Miglani
Yining Wang
My Role
My Role
As a key member of both The Weight of Tomato Waste and Into the Tomatoverse, I served as the project management lead, overseeing our team’s progress and ensuring that we met critical deliverables throughout each project phase. My involvement spanned all core aspects of the project—from research to sensemaking and information synthesis—where I worked collaboratively with Travis to co-lead our visualization strategy. Together, we focused on translating complex data into compelling visual narratives to highlight the systemic challenges within tomato waste.
As a key member of both The Weight of Tomato Waste and Into the Tomatoverse, I served as the project management lead, overseeing our team’s progress and ensuring that we met critical deliverables throughout each project phase. My involvement spanned all core aspects of the project—from research to sensemaking and information synthesis—where I worked collaboratively with Travis to co-lead our visualization strategy. Together, we focused on translating complex data into compelling visual narratives to highlight the systemic challenges within tomato waste.
As a key member of both The Weight of Tomato Waste and Into the Tomatoverse, I served as the project management lead, overseeing our team’s progress and ensuring that we met critical deliverables throughout each project phase. My involvement spanned all core aspects of the project—from research to sensemaking and information synthesis—where I worked collaboratively with Travis to co-lead our visualization strategy. Together, we focused on translating complex data into compelling visual narratives to highlight the systemic challenges within tomato waste.
The Weight of Tomato Waste
The Weight of Tomato Waste
In summer 2024, Travis and I presented our synthesis map from The Weight of Tomato Waste at Systems Thinking Ontario, discussing our approach to mapping systemic impacts and leveraging storytelling to convey key insights. Building on this, I presented our synthesis map independently at Relating Systems Thinking and Design Symposium (RSD13) in October 2024, sharing our systemic findings with a broader design audience.
In summer 2024, Travis and I presented our synthesis map from The Weight of Tomato Waste at Systems Thinking Ontario, discussing our approach to mapping systemic impacts and leveraging storytelling to convey key insights. Building on this, I presented our synthesis map independently at Relating Systems Thinking and Design Symposium (RSD13) in October 2024, sharing our systemic findings with a broader design audience.
In summer 2024, Travis and I presented our synthesis map from The Weight of Tomato Waste at Systems Thinking Ontario, discussing our approach to mapping systemic impacts and leveraging storytelling to convey key insights. Building on this, I presented our synthesis map independently at Relating Systems Thinking and Design Symposium (RSD13) in October 2024, sharing our systemic findings with a broader design audience.
Into the Tomatoverse
Into the Tomatoverse
For Into the Tomatoverse, I continued in a project management capacity and was actively involved in every aspect of our foresight methodologies. I took a lead role in developing the Transform scenario, collaborated closely with Travis on the creation of future artifacts, and guided the design of an immersive experience that brought our scenarios to life. This work exemplified my commitment to transforming intricate systems-level information into accessible, engaging, and actionable insights for diverse audiences.
For Into the Tomatoverse, I continued in a project management capacity and was actively involved in every aspect of our foresight methodologies. I took a lead role in developing the Transform scenario, collaborated closely with Travis on the creation of future artifacts, and guided the design of an immersive experience that brought our scenarios to life. This work exemplified my commitment to transforming intricate systems-level information into accessible, engaging, and actionable insights for diverse audiences.
For Into the Tomatoverse, I continued in a project management capacity and was actively involved in every aspect of our foresight methodologies. I took a lead role in developing the Transform scenario, collaborated closely with Travis on the creation of future artifacts, and guided the design of an immersive experience that brought our scenarios to life. This work exemplified my commitment to transforming intricate systems-level information into accessible, engaging, and actionable insights for diverse audiences.
The Weight of Tomato Waste
The Weight of Tomato Waste
The Weight of Tomato Waste
About the Project
About the Project
About the Project
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
The synthesis map reveals that only 41% of produced tomatoes are actually consumed, with waste occurring at various stages: 23.5% during harvest, 35% in post-harvest processes, 3.9% at retail, and 20.2% in households. Through story loops centred on three main stakeholders—labourers, transporters, and consumers – we explore how each group both influences and is affected by tomato waste.
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
The synthesis map reveals that only 41% of produced tomatoes are actually consumed, with waste occurring at various stages: 23.5% during harvest, 35% in post-harvest processes, 3.9% at retail, and 20.2% in households. Through story loops centred on three main stakeholders—labourers, transporters, and consumers – we explore how each group both influences and is affected by tomato waste.
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
The synthesis map reveals that only 41% of produced tomatoes are actually consumed, with waste occurring at various stages: 23.5% during harvest, 35% in post-harvest processes, 3.9% at retail, and 20.2% in households. Through story loops centred on three main stakeholders—labourers, transporters, and consumers – we explore how each group both influences and is affected by tomato waste.
Our analysis uncovers several key insights
– Laborers possess extensive knowledge but limited power in decision-making processes, resulting in significant labor and economic inefficiencies.
– Transporters play a crucial role in the supply chain but contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for more sustainable logistics solutions.
– While consumers lack detailed knowledge of the production process, they wield significant power through their purchasing decisions, influencing market dynamics and demand.
Our analysis uncovers several key insights
– Laborers possess extensive knowledge but limited power in decision-making processes, resulting in significant labor and economic inefficiencies.
– Transporters play a crucial role in the supply chain but contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for more sustainable logistics solutions.
– While consumers lack detailed knowledge of the production process, they wield significant power through their purchasing decisions, influencing market dynamics and demand.
Our analysis uncovers several key insights
– Laborers possess extensive knowledge but limited power in decision-making processes, resulting in significant labor and economic inefficiencies.
– Transporters play a crucial role in the supply chain but contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for more sustainable logistics solutions.
– While consumers lack detailed knowledge of the production process, they wield significant power through their purchasing decisions, influencing market dynamics and demand.
Based on these findings, we propose a set of systemic interventions:
– Redirecting harvest waste to livestock feed
– Educating households on proper disposal and nutritional value
– Utilizing tomato waste in health and science R&D
– Redistributing imperfect tomatoes to food kitchens and charities
– Increasing market transparency regarding supply needs
– Promoting localized supply chains
– Encouraging efficient household utilization of tomatoes
Based on these findings, we propose a set of systemic interventions:
– Redirecting harvest waste to livestock feed
– Educating households on proper disposal and nutritional value
– Utilizing tomato waste in health and science R&D
– Redistributing imperfect tomatoes to food kitchens and charities
– Increasing market transparency regarding supply needs
– Promoting localized supply chains
– Encouraging efficient household utilization of tomatoes
Based on these findings, we propose a set of systemic interventions:
– Redirecting harvest waste to livestock feed
– Educating households on proper disposal and nutritional value
– Utilizing tomato waste in health and science R&D
– Redistributing imperfect tomatoes to food kitchens and charities
– Increasing market transparency regarding supply needs
– Promoting localized supply chains
– Encouraging efficient household utilization of tomatoes
The synthesis map concludes by emphasizing three key intervention points: education, health, and feed. By addressing these areas, we aim to create a more sustainable and efficient tomato supply chain and reduce waste and its associated environmental impact.
This systemic approach to understanding and addressing tomato waste demonstrates the interconnectedness of stakeholders and processes within the global food system, offering a foundation for developing holistic solutions to this complex challenge.
The synthesis map concludes by emphasizing three key intervention points: education, health, and feed. By addressing these areas, we aim to create a more sustainable and efficient tomato supply chain and reduce waste and its associated environmental impact.
This systemic approach to understanding and addressing tomato waste demonstrates the interconnectedness of stakeholders and processes within the global food system, offering a foundation for developing holistic solutions to this complex challenge.
The synthesis map concludes by emphasizing three key intervention points: education, health, and feed. By addressing these areas, we aim to create a more sustainable and efficient tomato supply chain and reduce waste and its associated environmental impact.
This systemic approach to understanding and addressing tomato waste demonstrates the interconnectedness of stakeholders and processes within the global food system, offering a foundation for developing holistic solutions to this complex challenge.
Into the Tomatoverse
Into the Tomatoverse
Into the Tomatoverse
About the Project
About the Project
About the Project
In Foresight Studio, we expanded on the insights from the Understanding Systems class by examining tomato waste through the lens of a circular economy. The objective was to reimagine the tomato industry in potential future scenarios where circular principles—such as waste reduction, resource recovery, and system interconnectivity—are embedded.
In Foresight Studio, we expanded on the insights from the Understanding Systems class by examining tomato waste through the lens of a circular economy. The objective was to reimagine the tomato industry in potential future scenarios where circular principles—such as waste reduction, resource recovery, and system interconnectivity—are embedded.
In Foresight Studio, we expanded on the insights from the Understanding Systems class by examining tomato waste through the lens of a circular economy. The objective was to reimagine the tomato industry in potential future scenarios where circular principles—such as waste reduction, resource recovery, and system interconnectivity—are embedded.
Using Dator’s Four Futures as a framework, we developed four possible future worlds, each reflecting different pathways for the food system. Our horizon scanning process highlighted emerging trends like food security threats from climate change, risks of monocropping, and greenwashing pressures, each potentially reshaping the future of agriculture. These tensions informed speculative futures with varied implications for tomato waste and broader food security.
The systemic understanding developed in Understanding Systems supported our circular reimagination in Foresight Studio by clarifying tomatoes’ roles within interconnected systems. This foundational perspective helped us backcast pathways for change, identifying key leverage points where shifts could lead to more sustainable futures.
Using Dator’s Four Futures as a framework, we developed four possible future worlds, each reflecting different pathways for the food system. Our horizon scanning process highlighted emerging trends like food security threats from climate change, risks of monocropping, and greenwashing pressures, each potentially reshaping the future of agriculture. These tensions informed speculative futures with varied implications for tomato waste and broader food security.
The systemic understanding developed in Understanding Systems supported our circular reimagination in Foresight Studio by clarifying tomatoes’ roles within interconnected systems. This foundational perspective helped us backcast pathways for change, identifying key leverage points where shifts could lead to more sustainable futures.
Using Dator’s Four Futures as a framework, we developed four possible future worlds, each reflecting different pathways for the food system. Our horizon scanning process highlighted emerging trends like food security threats from climate change, risks of monocropping, and greenwashing pressures, each potentially reshaping the future of agriculture. These tensions informed speculative futures with varied implications for tomato waste and broader food security.
The systemic understanding developed in Understanding Systems supported our circular reimagination in Foresight Studio by clarifying tomatoes’ roles within interconnected systems. This foundational perspective helped us backcast pathways for change, identifying key leverage points where shifts could lead to more sustainable futures.