Everyone Can Make a Difference in Climate Change

by Greg Austin

April 16, 2023

The bad news: In the U.S., 40% of the food we produce goes to waste. That wasted food makes up almost 20% of the material in landfills and is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

The good news: Every one of us has the power to reduce food waste, both in our own homes and in our communities. Here are some tips to get started.

Take a Closer Look, and Plan Ahead

Americans produce about 30 million tons of food waste in our homes every year – partly because most of us are simply unaware of how much food we’re throwing away. Once you begin to pay attention to what you’re wasting – and why – you can plan what to buy, and when to cook it, accordingly.

Freeze!

Freezing extends the lifespan of your food. Here’s a great guide for how to properly freeze just about anything.

Don’t Give Up on Your Produce

Tired fruits and vegetables can get a second life in soups, stews, preserves, and more. Here are some ideas for how to use them.

Plug into Plant Power

Research suggests that a global shift to a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. Why not start in your own home?

Compost

Turn trash into treasure for your garden. Here are some tips for composting at home.

Be a Food Rescue Hero

You can even help reduce food waste at local businesses, by downloading the Food Rescue Hero app and joining a network of 49,000 volunteers who have kept 137 million pounds of good food from going to landfills. You’ll be alerted to food rescues in your area and have the opportunity to transport nutritious food nearing the end of its shelf life to organizations that can use it right away to fight hunger. Most rescues take under an hour. It’s an easy way to make a big difference.