hwhite
Jul 20, 20222 min
Food waste contributes 8% of global carbon emissions according to Project Drawdown. Reducing food waste is one of the top five actions that individuals & communities can do to fight climate change. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rotting food makes up 24% of the trash in United States landfills.
The United Nations estimates that globally, one third of all food produced is wasted. Here at home, food-insecurity nonprofit Feeding America estimates that 40% of food is wasted, the equivalent of 130 billion meals. All that waste adds up to approximately $161 billion annually, including $370 per person. That means a family of four could save $1,500 a year by limiting food waste, a smart way to save at the grocery store.
From menu planning to trying out meatless Mondays, check out some of these ideas.
Remember: climate action can be FUN & JOYFUL!
Adventurers: Try a new plant-based recipe and plan to make use of the leftovers.
Beacons: Ask your community to support local composting and if it does already, write to your community officials in support of the program.
Influencers: Host a plant-based dinner party and composting 101 class. But your scraps in your composter and show friends how easy it is.
Philanthropists: Google "community garden near me" and volunteer there or donate to it.
Sages: Ask your community or place of worship whether they have composting. If they do, plan a talk on food waste and climate. If they don't, encourage a community-based composting program.
Sparks: Share this article about food waste to help friends and family understand the climate impacts of food waste.
Wonks: Consider the costs of food waste nationally and create a menu plan with your family and friends to tighten your budget and help save the planet.