Student 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.
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
10/14/2020