Americans waste almost half of the food we produce. Worldwide, we're throwing away around 30 percent of the food we create, which amounts to around 1.3 billion tons a year. That's a huge problem -- for everyone.
Food waste is one of those criminally pervasive issues whose effects extend way beyond the food we're tossing in the garbage while 16 percent of Americans, and 11 percent of the global population, are food insecure. That's 49 million Americans, and about 805 million people worldwide. Not only are we Americans throwing away $165 billion dollars worth of food per year, but we're also wasting the water and land space used to grow the food and the energy put into producing and distributing the food. The largest category of waste in landfills is food, which beyond taking up valuable space, contributes to greenhouse gasses when it rots. The problem needs to be addressed from the top down, but it should also be addressed from the bottom up, with individuals making their own efforts to reduce food waste.
One concrete, attainable way that individuals can help reduce food waste is by extending the shelf life of their fresh food. Making food last a little longer will help people make the most of it, instead of coming home to a bag of limp, rotten lettuce and having to throw it in the trash can. A new infographic from Pounds To Pockets illustrates a number of simple tips for better food storage, in the name of minimizing unnecessary food waste. From wrapping your leafy greens in paper towels to keeping your potatoes separate from your onions, the tips in this infographic show totally practical ways you can contribute to the global effort of reducing food waste. If there was ever a worthwhile New Year's resolution, following some -- or all -- of this advice is it.
How To Make Fresh Food Last Longer [Infographic] by the team at Pounds to Pocket
Related
Before You Go
