According to the USDA In the United States, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply.
Food Waste happens in many levels:
Producer
Retailer
Consumer
Food waste impacts
Social Food that could have fed families in need is being thrown away and end up in landfills.
Economic Resources used in food production, processing, transportation, preparation, storage, and disposal.
Environmental Water & land
Energy & Transportation
Food production requires so many resources such as water, soil (land), pesticides and fertilizers, food (animals), labor, equipment, fuels, and sometimes food packaging.
How much water does it take to grow your food?
Click here to visit the USGS website and find out What happens to the food you throw in the garbage?
According to the USDA food is the single largest category of material in landfills. One of the biggest problems is that rotting food trapped without air emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Methane is able to trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
What can you do to help?
Plan your mealsBuy only what you need.
Do not stock up on products that go bad quickly.
Look for inspiration online for recipes and note quantities.
Check your fridge and pantry before going shopping.
Find some recipes and inspiration
Click here to visit the My Plate website from the USDA Buy local and eat with the seasonsSupport your local Farmers
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) seasonal food directly from a farmer.
Find a participating farm near you Buy local seafood
Grow your own foodPlant an edible garden at home
Participate of a community garden