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Our Beautiful Bay
Over one-third of all food produced in the US is thrown away each year. Food waste is
the single most item landfilled or incinerated. Some of the effects on the environment
are as follows:
1. Waste of natural resources, especially water, energy and fuel. Pouring a glass of milk down the sink wastes nearly 1,000 liters of water.
2. Contributes to climate change – food left in the landfill releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, which is 25 times stronger than carbon dioxide. Methane lingers for 12 years when released.
3. Degrades the land – irresponsible use of food wastes the land. Statistics show that land for food production is being over-stressed, and it will eventually affect the yield.
4. Harm to biodiversity – agriculture in general is harmful to biodiversity. Deforestation and conversion of our natural lands into non-arable land for raising livestock destroys the natural flora and fauna present, and in some cases, to the point of their extinction. (Earth.org)
Solution: If you are able, consider composting the non meat foods, an excellent way to put nutrient rich soil back into the ground. And please don't waste food and only prepare what you will eat or store in the refrigerator for a tasty leftover.
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