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MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Reduce Food Waste

Millions of pounds of leftover food gets thrown away every year. According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Americans waste about 25% of the food that we purchase. Wasted food also has other environmental effects:

  • Most wasted food ends up in landfills. As it decomposes in the landfill, it generates methane gas - a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
  • Wasting food wastes other resources as well used to grow, package, transport and store/refrigerate that food.

In 2015, the United States set a goal to reduce wasted food by 50% by 2030.

What can you do?

  • Plan meals in advance - just buy what you need
  • Prepare foods ahead of time - wash, dry, chop or slice up fresh food items and place them in clear storage containers for quick snacking and easy cooking.
  • Create a "use first" section in your refrigerator so perishable food is eaten before it goes bad.
  • Freeze foods such as breads, sliced fruit and meats that you won't be able to eat in time.
  • Make leftovers - Tacos are a great way to 'recycle' leftover food. See the Love Food Hate Waste site for recipes.

Ann Penwarden
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
11/10/2020