Food Waste Reduction
Every day, we discard tonnes of edible food. According to the USDA, about 1/3 of all food produced in the US goes uneaten. This results in massive amounts of food being wasted at the retail level. Furthermore, food loss affects our food security and the environment, and also contributes to climate change. Therefore, food waste reduction is crucial for our planet's sustainability. The solution to this global problem is to minimize food loss and wastage throughout the entire food supply chain.
The Center for a Livable Future (CLF), located in Baltimore, Maryland, works on reducing the amount of food that is wasted in the United States. The center's research projects include mapping the amount of food that is wasted, the nutrient content of wasted food, and the cost and benefit of different solutions. In addition, the Center promotes data transparency to track food waste reduction efforts. Insights Engine provides a platform for organizations to share and benchmark their efforts.
Major Causes of Household Food Waste
The Government of Canada highlights three major causes of household food waste. Some of the most common culprits are incorrect food storage and improper disposal in garbage bins. Others, like discarded bread, are simply thrown away without being eaten. Food waste also pollutes land and water, harms ecosystems, and results in uneconomical greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, many individuals have adopted methods to reduce food waste. By following a few simple tips, you too can minimize the amount of food waste at home.
One simple solution to food waste is to donate surplus or unwanted food to a local community organization. Some organizations collect and distribute food in exchange for monetary contributions. The Natural Resource Defense Council estimates that US households waste over 25% of their food and the cost to them ranges from $1,365 to $2,275 per person. Some innovative entrepreneurs have created markets for "ugly" produce that can be sold at a lower price to the consumer. A report by the US EPA estimates that $218 billion is spent on growing food and a proportion of that wasted is a huge cost to the nation.
In Canada, one report claims that up to 1/3 of food is wasted. This translates to a massive CA$21 billion worth of wasted food. By contrast, 35% of the food we discard could be donated to those in need. Many factors contribute to this enormous waste of food. Manufacturing and processing food waste costs approximately CA$21 billion a year, and a staggering 4.82 million tons of food goes to waste each year. This means that every household loses approximately $1,766 worth of food each year.
Comprehensive Resource Reducing Food Waste in the Food Industry, Schools, and Institutions
To reduce food waste, it is important to consider all of the options that are available. The Department of Environmental Quality has created a comprehensive resource for the food industry, schools, and institutions. You can also check out their web pages for more information. You can also visit their website to learn more about the campaign. You can also download a brochure about food waste reduction. The information and resources are updated regularly and will prove beneficial for your food waste reduction efforts.
Program for Smart Kitchens San Diego
One innovative program that aims to reduce food waste in large corporations is the Smart Kitchens San Diego. It includes 15 participants, including Palomar Medical Center, Petco Park, University of California San Diego, Viejas Casino, and Hilton Bayfront. The program equips participants with Leanpath food waste tracking software and provides personal coaching on source reduction and food donation partnerships. This initiative is a great place to start if you want to create a more sustainable food supply chain.
Selling "Ugly" Produce Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to these programs, farms can evaluate their losses during the processing, distribution, and storage stages. Farmers can also sell their "ugly" produce - fruits and vegetables that are not marketable due to imperfections. They can even donate the uneaten food to a food bank or an organization that provides emergency assistance to people in need. Finally, consumers can learn how to cook food waste reduction. Aside from helping the environment, it also benefits their wallets.
Merits of Portion Control, Mindful Eating, and Freezing
Some of the most effective methods for food waste reduction include portion control, mindful eating, and freezing. For example, you can freeze ripe apples or carrots, and enjoy a long-lasting treat. Instead of rummaging through bins of apples and carrots, pickle them and store them in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat for a long time and reduce the amount of food waste. The next time you're grocery shopping, consider all the meals you plan to cook and eat.
No comments:
Post a Comment