From Plate to Planet: Tips to Reduce Food Waste

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Introduction

In honor of April being Earth month, we are focusing on the negative impact of food waste, and how we can combat waste as consumers. Food waste is food that is fit for consumption but is intentionally discarded. The world wastes about 1.4 billion tons of food annually with the United States being the leader in this waste at 40 million tons annually. This annual waste equates to 30-40% of the US food supply and 219 pounds of waste per person. Moreover, food creates the largest percent of municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills at 22%.

Benefits of Less Food Waste

Why should we care? Well, reducing food waste has numerous benefits for people and the planet. Here are a few examples:

1. Lower greenhouse gas emissions (mainly methane) from landfills, which results in a lower carbon footprint.

2. Conservation of natural resources such as the land, water, energy, and labor that were utilized to grow, store, process, distribute and prepare that food.

3. Cost savings when buying food only as needed rather than overbuying/overspending on food.

4. Increased food security by ensuring availability and amount of food for the 50 million people (including 5 million children) in the US who are suffering from food insecurity.

5. Creating a more sustainable food system by using resources more efficiently.

On-Campus Tips to Lower Food Waste & Eat More Sustainably

Here are some tips that UTA students can utilize around campus to lower food waste.

1. Take a look around the dining hall to see everything available before choosing what you would like to eat.

2. Assess your hunger levels before choosing what to put on your plate. Be realistic with what you will be able to finish.

3. Reduce plate waste by asking for smaller portions of food. Remember, our cafes are all-you-care-to-eat facilities, so you can always go back for seconds if you're still hungry!

4. Utilize our OZZI box program! OZZI boxes are reusable take-out containers that can be used in our cafes. These can last 1,500 uses and students are able to replace the boxes as needed. The boxes are free to students with a meal plan and $5 to those without. Simply bring your used and rinsed out OZZI box when you come to dine in with us, and the cashier will provide you a new clean one for use.

5. Carry a reusable water bottle and utilize the numerous water refill stations around campus to fill up.

6. Leave food scraps on your plate because the Maverick Dining staff composts it to lessen waste.

7. Opt for plant-based options to help reduce your carbon footprint. Even incorporating one meatless meal each day can have a big impact!

At-Home Tips to Lower Food Waste & Eat More Sustainably

Here are some tips that students can implement at home to lower food waste.

1. Plan meals and make a shopping list based around those meals. This can significantly help reduce the amount of food you purchase and waste.

2. Before shopping, take a look at what you already have! This can help you avoid overbuying certain items.

3. Store food properly to minimize spoilage by using airtight containers and storing fruits and vegetables separately. Utilize clear containers so you can see what you have! Don't forget to date your leftovers so you know when your items were prepared.

4. Get creative in the kitchen! Repurpose leftovers by making different dishes such as scrambles, soups, pasta dishes, casseroles, and smoothies.

5. Freeze certain food items like breads, soups, casseroles, fruits, and veggies before they go bad to be utilized at a later time!

6. Donate any excess food to the local food bank to ensure none of it goes to waste.

7. Try composting! Find out if your city has resources for this. For example, the City of Fort Worth has a Residential Food Waste Composting Program.

I hope that you will consider implementing some of these simple tips into your lives! Applying these tips can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help you live more sustainably. Make sure to follow out Instagram (@mavseatwell) for more tips on how you can live and eat sustainably. Happy Earth Month, Mavericks!

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Written by: Nibitika Khadka, Wellness Intern

Reviewed by: Carly Richter, RDN, LD

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References

• https://www.rts.com/resources/guides/food-waste-america/

• https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/sustainable-management-food-basics#:~:text=Examples%20include%20unsold%20food%20from,food%20and%20beverage%20processing%20facilities.

• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sustainability/food-waste/