Looking for some #onegreenthing ideas? Check out these helpful tips.
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!
And be sure to read One Green Thing founder Heather White's full article in Readers Digest for 19 ways to Reduce Food Waste.
Ideas to reduce food waste based on Service Superpower:
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.