Stop Wasting Food!
Authored by Kyle Golden (April 5, 2024)
Americans waste up to 40% of the food we produce! That’s shocking and quite frankly, shameful.
When we waste food, we are not only trashing the money we spent on it, but we also harm the environment and completely disregard the lives of the animals who probably suffered greatly for the sake of our dinner plate.
Financial Impacts
Food waste has significant financial impacts. When we waste food, we are essentially throwing our money away. According to some studies, the average American family of four wastes about $1,500 worth of food each year. This is money that could be spent on other necessities or saved for future plans. In addition, reducing food waste can also help lower grocery bills. With the cost of food increasing in the U.S., many of us could do a lot more to save and combat these problems.
Environmental Impacts
Food waste has significant environmental impacts. When we waste food we waste the resources that went into producing it. Food production requires land, water, and energy. When food waste ends up in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Agriculture, particularly intensive farming methods, can have other significant environmental impacts beyond those related to food waste. One of these impacts is the use of chemical fertilizers. These substances are used to enhance plant growth and increase crop yields, but their use can have detrimental effects on the environment. Runoff from these fertilizers can contaminate nearby water sources, causing eutrophication, which can lead to harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, killing aquatic life.
The production and application of these fertilizers require a significant amount of energy, contributing to CO2 emissions. Also, some fertilizers release nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Agriculture can lead to deforestation as land is cleared to make way for farmland, contributing to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. By reducing our food waste and thus reducing the demand for excessive food production, we can help mitigate these environmental impacts.
Animal Welfare
When we waste food, particularly animal products, we negate the ethical considerations for the animals that were raised and slaughtered within the industrial animal agricultural complex. The conditions in these facilities are often far from ideal, with animals living in confined, crowded spaces, enduring significant suffering throughout their lives. If the food products derived from these animals end up being wasted, it means that these animals suffered in vain. By reducing food waste, we can lessen the demand for these products, potentially reducing the number of animals subjected to these conditions.
Industry Impacts
It's important to note that food waste isn't just a household issue; the entire food industry plays a significant role. Grocery stores, restaurants, and distribution channels contribute to a large portion of food waste. Grocery stores often discard food that is near or past its sell-by date, but still perfectly good to eat. Restaurants frequently throw out leftovers and unused ingredients. Distribution channels can contribute to food waste when food products are damaged during transportation, or left to spoil due to inefficient logistics. Addressing these issues requires changes at an industry level, like improved food storage and transportation methods, donating surplus food, and reconsidering aesthetic standards for produce.
So, What Can We Do?
By following these simple tips, you can reduce food waste at home, make a positive impact on the environment, and hopefully reduce animal suffering.
Plan meals ahead of time to avoid buying unnecessary food items
Store food properly to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life
Stick to your shopping list and resist the temptation of buying unnecessary impulse items that may end up going to waste
Consider stocking up on food items like dried beans, rice, quinoa, and other similar foods that are unlikely to spoil, and make sure to use them
If you buy animal products (meat, eggs, milk, cheese), only purchase the minimum amount you need to avoid spoilage, and consciously reduce the quantity you buy
Use leftovers creatively by incorporating them in new meals or freezing them for later use
When dining out or ordering in, only order what you are going to eat; if the portions are large, consider sharing with someone or asking for a half portion
Compost food scraps to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening
Donate surplus food to local food banks or shelters to help those in need and reduce food waste in your community
Learn which food expiration dates are important to follow and which ones are more flexible to avoid throwing out food prematurely
Use a meal planning app or tool to help keep track of what food you have and what meals you can make with it
Regularly rotate your pantry and fridge items to ensure older items get used before they spoil
If possible, buy ugly or misshapen fruits and vegetables that are just as nutritious and might otherwise be wasted
Learn to properly preserve excess fruits and vegetables for future use
And finally…
Educate your family, friends, and community about the importance of reducing food waste
Together, by taking these small steps, we can make a big difference in reducing food waste, saving money, protecting our environment, and addressing animal welfare.
Hi, I’m Kyle Golden,
Founder and Coach at Vireo Fitness. For over 16 years I have helped hundreds of clients just like you find their path to better health. Get in touch today and find out how I can help you embrace a better lifestyle and realize your full potential!