Let’s face it.There were times where we could have saved food, but we wasted it. Did you need to load up your entire plate at the buffet, or should you have taken it a bit easier?

An American study discovered that in the United States 30% of all food is thrown each year. It is estimated that it is worth US$48.3 billion. And this is only in the United States.The effect of the food waste is not only financial. It affects the environment as well.

When food expires, it becomes rotten, thus methane is created. The methane is 23 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas. The huge amount of food going to the landfills contributes to global warming.

In addition, another effect of food waste is the waste of limited resources. When food is produced, it uses energy, labor, water etc… So logically, if food is wasted, then all the work that was performed was for nothing and the resources were wasted.

Moreover, another effect of food waste is an irrational distribution of food. British studies have discovered that most of the waste (4.1 million tonnes) is avoidable and could have been donated to low income families if better managed.

I interviewed several  WESS students about how they think students can help reduce food waste in their homes, community and even globally. 

Green Team Member Rachel Gaylord thinks that “Students can help reduce food waste in their homes by composting. Composting helps reduce landfill waste and is better for the environment than throwing food scraps away.”

Sophomore Simone Schwartz thinks that “to reduce food waste in people’s homes, I feel that people should strive to only buy what they need. Planning what you’re going to shop for ahead of time is very helpful to avoid buying unnecessary foods that could likely go to waste.”

Junior Daisy Koffler thinks that “students in our community and many other communities can help reduce food waste in their homes by composting. Composting is great because it reduces our waste that goes to the landfill and actually nourishes our planet. “

Sophomore Julia Kess thinks that “some ways to reduce food waste at home could be freezing leftovers or excess amounts of food, rotating food in the fridge or cupboards depending on the expiration date, or planning meals ahead that use similar ingredients. I think when people make an effort and take the time to plan ahead, we can significantly reduce food waste.”

I hope that my article has given you some insight into the issue of food waste. This topic is so important because food waste affects our fragile climate, spends our limited resources, and could have fed someone from a low income family. Notice how I said “our.”  A very important skill is cooperation and carrying the responsibility for actions as a team. We should be more principled about this problem and act.