Climate Impact

Food Waste

Everyday we eat for our survival, but the way we store and trash it negatively impacts the relationship we have with our planet. Americans throw away close to 40% of the food produced yearly, most of which is seen happening at the household level. 

But the real issue happens after we throw it out...

Once we dispose of our food, it goes to a landfill. Here it is thrown into a pile of other trash and expected to decompose,  leaving the organic matter to produce global warming emissions. In fact, food waste contributes to about 11% of global waring yearly. 

Food Waste Breakdown

Why do we waste so much food?

1. Confusing Labels

There are so many different ways of labeling a food item’s expiration date that it confuses buyers into throwing out foods prematurely. 90% of buyers are confused by shelf life labels. Check out this article on How to Read Expiration Dates. 

2. Forgetting what you have 

Many people opt for the most convenient option, ordering out. Why is this? We simply forget the options we have and tend to go for what pops into our brain. Much o this behavior has been preconditioned by marketing Ad’s and commercials. What kind of food comes to your mind?

3. Not knowing what to make

Maybe you’re a culinary master, whipping up a meal with anything you have in the kitchen. But most Americans tend to struggle with the creativity involved in cooking recipes with what they already have at home.