— Written by Shayna Berglas

Apparently, Food Doesn't Belong with the Trash. Who Knew?

A Growing Problem: The statistics are alarming. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 30% of the food supply in the U.S. goes uneaten, making food waste the single largest category of material disposed in landfills. This wasted food not only represents a missed opportunity to nourish communities, but it also has a significant environmental impact. Decomposing food in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Not only that, but all of the energy used to produce the food is wasted, and since the food wasn’t eaten, new energy will be used to grow more. 

A Multi-Faceted Approach: The White House's new National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics outlines a comprehensive approach to address this complex issue. Here are some key aspects of the strategy:

• Preventing Food Loss: This includes supporting farmers with improved storage and transportation practices to reduce spoilage before food even reaches consumers.

• Reducing Food Waste: The strategy encourages businesses and individuals to adopt practices that minimize food waste, such as improved labeling and inventory management.

• Enhancing Food Donation: Efforts will be made to streamline the donation of surplus food to food banks and other hunger relief organizations.

• Investing in Organics Recycling: The strategy recognizes the importance of composting food scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil amendments, diverting organic materials from landfills.

National Goal, Local Impact 

The strategy also sets a national goal to cut food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By working collaboratively with state and local governments, businesses, and individuals, the White House aims to make a significant dent in the amount of food that ends up in landfills.

A Brighter Future: This national strategy is a positive step towards a more sustainable food system. By prioritizing food rescue and organics recycling, we can reduce our environmental footprint, ensure food security for all, and build a more responsible food culture.

Stay Engaged: We encourage you to learn more about this important initiative and explore ways to reduce food waste in your own life. If you want to take a deep dive into food waste, check out these videos:

• This Radio DJ is Solving Food Insecurity in Nigeria | Reinventing Tomorrow

• Can a Tiny Sticker Solve the Global Food Crisis? | Reinventing Tomorrow

• Turning Food Waste into Plastic | Genecis

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