Sustainability Spotlight - September 2021 - Food Waste is a Worldwide Problem That Contributes to Climate Change
By: April Nowak, Sustainable Wheat Ridge member
Nearly 40 percent of all food produced in the United States is wasted and the average American household is spending $150 - $200 per month on wasted food!
Food waste is a problem for a number of reasons:
When we waste food, we waste money and all the resources that it took to grow that food (energy, water, etc.).
There are people who don’t have enough food and could benefit from that food we are not eating.
Food tossed in the trash contributes to climate change.
Most food tossed in the trash goes to landfills where it doesn’t biodegrade. In fact, food waste in landfills contributes to an increase in methane production, a potent greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to climate change.
And, yes, food waste is an issue throughout our food production systems. Food is wasted at the farm/ranch (where it is grown), at the market (grocery store/restaurant), and in the kitchen. But, let’s think about what we can do in our schools and homes to reduce food waste where we have the biggest capacity to influence that part of the problem
So, what can we do? Thankfully, there are options to save you money and contribute to a healthy community and environment.
Review these steps you can take:
- Make a meal plan
- Make a grocery list
- Use your freezer to save food
- Donate excess food (freshfoodconnect.org)
- Compost your food scraps
Reducing food waste at the source is the first step. Make a strategy that works for you and your family. We suggest tracking your grocery bills and what is being tossed or donated. That way, you can measure your progress.
Then, feed hungry people. Do you have extra food that you can donate to feed people? If you have extra food, try to donate rather than tossing it in the landfill.
If you have food or scraps that are not good for eating, then compost those food scraps. This contributes to a healthier environment by preventing the release of greenhouse gases and building healthy soil. There are currently a few ways to compost food scraps in Wheat Ridge, from composting at home or using a food scraps service.
There are lots of resources out there to learn about how food waste contributes to climate change and how to reduce food waste in your home.
See all our resources below!
Take Action
Join a waste reduction challenge for residents of Wheat Ridge.
Step 1: Take stock of what you’re throwing out through a home waste audit using our handy waste audit guide.
Step 2: Share your findings from your audit.
Step 3: Make a pledge for how you plan to reduce your waste this month!
Visit our Solid Waste & Recycling webpage on the Wheat Ridge City website to watch a short video guide on conducting an audit! We’ve also posted the directions for how to conduct the home waste audit and where you can share your findings and pledge.
Become a #WasteWarrior.
For those who aren’t ready to take the plunge on the home waste audit idea without some more background, let’s talk. You might be surprised with what you find, and we encourage you to share data and feedback in our waste audit survey.
Donate Food
How to Prevent Food Waste
Food too Good to Waste Home and Garden
Make an ‘EAT ME FIRST’ sign for your refrigerator
For kids and at school – Food Waste Action Kit
How to Compost Food Scraps
Compost Companies Serving Wheat Ridge (this is not an endorsement of these services)
Scraps Mile High https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1798/Scraps---Residential-Compost-Drop-off-Pr
SustainAbility https://www.sustainability-recycling.com/compost
Compost Colorado https://www.compost-colorado.com/
Learn about Food Waste
US Department of Agriculture Food Loss and Waste
PBS News Hour - Video https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/almost-half-americas-food-go-waste
Kiss the Ground - Video - The Compost Story
National Resources Defense Council Food Waste
September Sustainability Updates
- The City is participating in Fresh Food Connect again this growing season to partner local growers with those in need of food assistance. Residents can download the Fresh Food Connect app on their phones to donate their excess produce to Family Tree - which provides the fresh food to those in our community experiencing homelessness.
More about Sustainable Wheat Ridge
Sustainable Wheat Ridge is a resident-led committee that was established in 2018 to provide the city with recommendations to enhance the environmental sustainability of Wheat Ridge. Included in these recommendations are goals around preserving Wheat Ridge’s agricultural history, connecting local producers and consumers, and establishing partnerships to support local food production. Check out the full Sustainable Wheat Ridge action plan here!
