Household Food Waste: Why you should care. Part 3.

It is estimated that American households throw away 14% of the food they buy, which makes 470 lbs a year or $600 a year.  What!  You just threw $600 in the garbage.  The food spoiled, you didn't feel like finishing the leftovers, or you changed your mind about what you wanted to make.  As simple as that.  It isn't intentional, but it is a sign of a wealthy nation.  If you didn't have that extra $600 a year to throw away, you would be much more careful about what you ate and what you disposed of. 

If you think you can afford to throw out food, think again.  You might not need that extra $600, but what you aren't considering is what happens to that waste once it leaves your home.  When food rots, it quickly turns into methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas and is 21 times the global warming potential than carbon dioxide.  Landfills account for more than 20% of all methane emissions. 

The USA spends $1 billion a year to dispose of food waste.  Can you think of a better way that money could be spent?  I certainly can.  If we cut our food waste in half, think about how much extra money the USA would have to feed her hungry.  Or to donate to less advantaged countries. 

These numbers are mind boggling.  And this is only household waste.  If you personally cut your food waste in half, you could save $300 a year.  Can you think of something you would like to do with $300?  Again, I can.  Are you up for a challenge?

Watch for the next post in this series: what you can do at home about food waste.

This post has been shared on The Real Food Forager: Fat Tuesday and Whole New Mom: Traditional Tuesdays.