Physical Science Chapter 11 Food Waste Food waste is a significant problem worldwide. Of the $1 trillion worth of food that is produced globally, one third is not eaten. This uneaten food could be used to eliminate food insecurity. In the United States, 40% of the food produced is wasted, amounting to 125-160 billion pounds of food, worth just over $200 billion. Wasting food also has an environmental impact, as 90% of it goes to landfills, emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The food system in the United States is wasteful at every step of the way, from farms to households. To reduce food waste, it is essential to reduce surplus crops, harvest all crops, and use imperfect produce. Extra food can be donated to food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters. “Ugly” produce should still be sold, and edible food waste can be used to feed the hungry. Donated foods that are recovered from grocery stores, wholesalers, and growers can be sold at non-profit grocery stores, especially at locations where there is a food desert. Additionally, it is crucial to learn about the dates listed on products and what they mean, and to depend on our sense of smell to determine whether foods are spoiled, as products are almost always safe to consume past their expiration dates.
