April 19, 2019
Waste not
Food waste harms the planet and your health but you can help.
Food waste is bad for the planet, the climate, and your health. In fact, 40% of all food in the U.S. is thrown away.
Follow these simple tips and you can do your part to reduce food waste.
Text version:
WASTE NOT
The harmful effects of food waste on our planet and how you can help
Food waste is BAD:
- For the environment
- For the climate
- For your health
40% of all food in the U.S. is thrown away.
133 billion pounds/year
Food waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
If discarded food were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases (after China and the U.S.).
How to do GOOD:
- Compost uneaten food.
- Buy only what you will eat.
- Purchase imperfect produce that might otherwise be thrown away.
- Encourage businesses, schools, and hospitals to donate extra food to local food banks.
Sources: NRDC; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
