The topic of food waste has gained much-needed attention over the last few years
Everyone from food manufacturers to retailers to consumers are guilty of contributing to the overall problem. Statistics show that in the U.S. alone 66 million metric tons of food is wasted each year, of which about 40 million metric tons of it end up in municipal landfills. This represents between 30 to 40 percent of the overall food supply and the single largest component in landfills.
Once food becomes refuse, they emit methane gas that accelerates climate change and as temperatures rise decreases the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. It is important that everyone does their part to reduce daily food waste.
Food Waste Facts
The figures are alarming and while many of us only have control over what happens at the domestic consumption stage, it is important that everyone does their part to reduce food waste in their daily lives. In addition to understanding the impacts of food waste, we need to understand exactly when food really should be discarded.
Label Limbo
Consumers interpreting sell-by dates as the date food should be consumed by and no longer purchasing leads to a sizable amount of food waste. This behavior is only going to worsen our current state. To combat this, California passed A.B. 660 to implement long-needed food labeling standards.
Waste Not, O’ Wise One
Want to do your part? Here’s a list of some simple things to implement in your routine to minimize food waste:
- Inventory: Take stock of what you already have before shopping.
- Food menus: Plan meals for the week.
- Stick to your list: Avoid impulse purchases.
- Rotate food items: Use older items first.
- Compost: Dispose of food items that can’t be used.
By buying less and utilizing proper storage techniques, you can keep your ingredients fresh longer, save money, and reduce food waste. You’ll be doing yourself, your community, and your planet a favor.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on April 26, 2016, this article was updated in October 2024.
