Food Waste

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Over-consumption and surplus are two of the largest contributors to wasted resources. Most of us, in some way, waste food. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 1.3 billion tons of food produced gets wasted amounting to about $680 billion in industries countries (FAO, 2017). Each of us as individuals wastes an average of 209 – 253 lbs. of food per year (FAO, 2017).

Let us all takes steps toward reducing waste.

REDUCING WASTE

·        Saves money by buy less

·        Reduces methane from landfills

·        Conserves energy & resources

WAYS TO REDUCE

·        Plan ahead

·        Make a menu for the week – buy accordingly

·        Check the refrigerator and cupboard before buying

·        Buy only what you need

·        Understand food date labels - Food Product Dating

FOOD STORAGE TIPS

·        Store fruit and vegetables in different bins (if you can)

·        Store bananas, tomatoes, and apples by themselves

FOOD PREP TIPS

Get food ready ahead of time saves time and reduces waste

·        Wash, dry, dice/slice/chop, and place in clear containers

·        Freeze breads, sliced fruit & meat before expiration

·        Prep & cook perishable foods than freeze for use
(Ex. Fry & freeze taco meat, Bake & freeze chicken)

THRIFTINESS

·        Cook and eat what’s at home before buying more

·        Safe & eat leftovers

·        Plan a “leftovers” night

·        At All-You-Can-Eat buffets – take only what you’ll eat (EPA, 2017)

If you have more than you need – DONATE TO FOOD BANKS – instead of wasting food.

COMPOSTING FOOD SCRAPS helps reduce waste in landfills and provides compost.

So next time you’re about to through food in the waste basket consider ways to prevent the waste in the future.

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Food Too Good to Waste Implementation Guide & Toolkit
http://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-too-good-waste-implementation-guide-and-toolkit

References:

Environmental Protection Agency, 2017, “Reducing wasted food at home”, http://epa.gov/recycle/reducing-wasted-food-home

 

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