Why You Should Reduce Your Food Waste
Saves Money
- 40% of our food is wasted, an average of 400 lbs. per person each year.
- The average family of 4 wastes $1,800 on uneaten food.
Helps the Planet
- 100 lbs. of food waste in our landfills sends 8.3 lbs. of methane into the atmosphere.
- 25% of the world’s fresh water supply is used to grow food that is never eaten.
Helps Others
- If our country reduced food waste by only 15%, we could feed 25 million more people every year.
Is required by California Law
- California is a leader in reducing food waste and greenhouse gases (GHGs).
- The state has enacted rigorous waste disposal legislation, such as SB1383.
SB1383 mandates:
- A 50% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2020.
- A 75% reduction by 2025.
- A 20% improvement in edible food recovery by 2025.
Join Novato Sanitary District in its Goal to Achieve Zero Waste
Novato Sanitary District’s franchise agreement with Recology Sonoma Marin and Recology San Francisco requires recycling and composting of organics. In order to reduce food waste in our landfills, to progress toward our zero waste goals.
How You Can Reduce Food Waste
- Plan meals in advance and buy only what you know you will eat.
- Prep perishable food as soon as you get home from the grocery store.
- Place fresh food items in clear storage containers for snacks and easy cooking.
- Store fruits and vegetables properly so they stay fresh longer (inside or outside) the refrigerator.
- Incorporate leftovers in meal planning. Shop in your refrigerator first!
- Cook or eat what you already have at home, before buying more.
- Read more about eating from roots to tops on my previous post, zero waste eating.
Source:
Novato Sanitary District
https://www.novatosan.com/green/reducing-food-waste
NRDC’s extensive resources on food waste
https://www.nrdc.org/food-waste
EPA’s web page on reducing wasted food at home
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-wasted-food-home
Donate, volunteer, or receive food from ExtraFood a Marin non-profit that rescues excess food
https://extrafood.org/
The EPA’s handy Fruit and Vegetable Storage Guide
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/smart_storage_ftgtw_2_1_2016_pubnumberadded_508_v2.pdf
Presentation about zero waste food planning