Sharing surplus food and shopping imperfect produce are just two ways to reduce food waste.
From uneaten leftovers and expired pantry products to spoiled produce and moldy bread — the world generates a lot of food waste. In the U.S. alone, about 40 percent of all food is wasted, according to the Chicago-based non-profit Feeding America. Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, accounting for nearly one-third of all food produced.
This waste is responsible for approximately eight to ten percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, placing it among the top contributors to climate change. The carbon footprint of food waste is massive, equating to about 3.3 billion tons of CO2 emissions each year. In the United States alone, nearly 40 percent of the food supply—approximately 119 billion pounds annually — is wasted, costing the economy over $408 billion.
Food waste also squanders critical resources: producing wasted food consumes about 25 percent of global freshwater supplies and occupies nearly 30 percent of the world’s agricultural land. Moreover, if food waste were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, following the United States and China.
The sheer amount of food scraps piling up in landfills has led many countries to pass measures in order to crack down on food waste. In 2016, France passed a law banning grocery stores from throwing away unsold food products. In lieu of going to landfills, nonprofits are able to distribute the items to those in need instead. Italy, Singapore, and China, which banned competitive eating and the sharing of binge-eating videos, have all passed similar legislation.
In 2022, California joined a handful of states, including Connecticut and Vermont, in prohibiting the disposal of organic waste in landfills. The law requires residents and businesses to recycle or compost scraps and yard waste accordingly.
Reducing food waste at home
From grinding up banana peels for plant fertilizer to planning out your weekly meals, there are a number of ways to reduce food waste. Take zero-waste to the next level by easily composting scraps at home with the Lomi Composter, which can break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost in as little as 24 hours.
Understanding date labels that are commonly found on perishable products is also a great way to reduce food waste. After all, the vast majority of these labels don’t actually indicate whether or not an item is expired. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require manufacturers to include such dates on food products. Brands use terms like “best if used by,” “sell by,” and “use by” as a form of best practice. Meaning, they help to ensure that foods are purchased and consumed when they are of best flavor or quality.
Most shelf-stable and packaged foods are safe to eat after the date listed on the label, according to the USDA. (Note: “use by” dates found on infant formulas are the exception.) However, keep in mind that products can go bad long before the date listed on the label (or last well beyond it) due to factors like bacteria or the temperature of the refrigerator. When in doubt, check for signs of spoilage, such as changes in color and texture or unpleasant smells.
Looking for more ways to reduce food waste at home? Check out these services, apps, and organizations:
Farmlink
The Farmlink Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste by connecting surplus produce from farms to food banks in need. Founded by college students during the pandemic, the initiative has rapidly grown, rescuing millions of pounds of food that would otherwise go to waste. Farmlink has garnered significant attention, including support from the Kardashians and LA’s high-profile Erewhon supermarket.
“Fifty percent of people that are food insecure, and know where their local food bank is, will still not go, because there’s such a stigma associated with that.” Ben Collier, Farmlink’s founder and CEO, told Vogue. “I think that partnerships like Erewhon, [who] are lending their platform to Farmlink, that’s how we’re gonna make the most progress and normalizing this work and helping people understand the nuance within our food system.”
Too Good to Go
Restaurants and other stores throw out a lot of unsold food. Wouldn’t it be great if you could buy these products from your favorite dining spots at a discount? Well, you’re in luck. The Too Good to Go app enables users to purchase surplus food items from local establishments at a third of the original cost. Whole Foods Market recently joined the platform, too, so now you can find even more great food at discounted prices.
Olio
This sharing app allows you to connect with neighbors and local businesses to exchange surplus food products (and other household items) before they go bad. To date, the app has helped to share nearly 58 million portions of food.
Imperfect Foods
Get sustainably sourced produce and other grocery items that would normally go to waste delivered straight to your door. (In 100 percent recycled boxes, of course.) The subscription service is free, you just have to pay for groceries and the delivery fee. Easy, convenient, and affordable. Need we say more?
Kitch
If you often find yourself buying food at the grocery store that you already have at home, then this app is for you. Easily keep track of your food and get access to recipes with one simple download. And the best part? This app is completely free.
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