How To Reduce Food Waste
Advertiser Disclosure
Est. Reading Time: 2 Minutes
Did you know that Americans waste about 31 percent of edible foods? This is enough food waste to fill the Rose Bowl stadium of 90,000 seats every day. Most of this food ends up in landfills which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and effects climate change. The issue is beyond just America. It occurs worldwide with over two billion tons of food wasted globally per year. That’s enough to feed almost two billion people! In the words of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics…
It’s time to “feed people, not landfills!”
Not only will reducing food waste help limit certain environmental changes, but it saves you money and helps your local community. Purchasing the exact amount of food that you will eat helps you save because you are most likely purchasing less food than normal (that means no impulse purchases and less eating out!). Learning where you can donate safe, edible foods that would otherwise be wasted helps feed food-insecure areas of your community. These areas consist of households that are unable to feed each person enough food to be healthy (learn more about food insecurity here). The Feeding America program fights food insecurity by donating 4.3 billion meals around the U.S. per year. Many other food donation organizations also help get these donated items to food deserts around the world.
We can all help that cause!
Additional methods to reduce food waste involve a variety of lifestyle habits such as grocery shopping, food prep and production, food storage, and dining out. But these changes to reduce food waste require both individuals and corporations to take action. Let’s take a quick look at some the changes you can make at home to have an impact on food waste:
To learn more, read these articles reviewed by our professionals to be the best on the topic: Reducing Food Waste at Home by the Environmental Protection Agency, Tips to Reduce Food Waste by the USDA, get quick facts & tips from Eat Right’s Reducing Food Waste infographic, and dig deeper into the facts with Today’s Dietitian’s Reducing Food Waste.
Take the Food Waste quiz to see where you stand today and learn how to make changes based on your specific results.
Whip up some recipes at home that help to reduce food waste. Try some of these ideas from Feeding America or throw in your extra veggies to this Bean Soup.
Use the FoodKeeper App to help you store foods properly and get the most out of your groceries. This app also gives tips for safe cooking!
Befriend your local food donation centers like a food bank or a community food pantry. Take the next step and volunteer with these organizations to learn more and give back!
Inspire your company or volunteer organization to join the USDA’s Food Waste Challenge!
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Hi, I’m Shannon! I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Culinary Coach, and Personal Trainer. After dedicating over 8 years to the corporate wellness world, I began my own nutrition practice. Chef Shannon Nutrition focuses on plant-based nutrition and culinary coaching. My passion for culinary nutrition grew when I worked as a cooking instructor for a culinary entertainment company. After several years as an instructor and event coordinator, I moved into the role of Director of Culinary Entertainment where I developed all the recipes, menus, and instructor trainings. My dietetic’s expertise helped the company expand into allergy-friendly and health conscious menus to suit all clients.
Full Bio | LinkedIn | 1:1 Coaching
Life Coach Stacey O’Callaghan shares the 6 key skills to learn in your 20s that will set you up for a successful future.
Trying to save money by buying in bulk and storing food? Use these tips on how to store food long-term to save money and eat well.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “life is a journey, not a destination?” It’s not just a cliché, it’s a great guiding philosophy.
Your free self-improvement perks and community features are waiting!