Food Waste in the United States

Food waste is an urgent issue in the United States that needs to be reduced because it impacts the whole environment, so by increasing consumers’ knowledge on how to prepare and store food, we can reduce wasting food, and this solution can minimize food waste and create a healthier environment.

Food waste is one of the most important and widespread problems in the United States that affects the environment. Most people do not realize how much food they throw away every day. Whenever food is wasted, everything that went into producing, processing, packaging, and transporting that food is also thrown away as well. The excessive amounts of chemicals, energy, fertilizer, along with the twenty-five percent of the clean water in the U.S. that is used to produce food, will eventually go down the drain.

Also, most uneaten food rots in landfills where it accounts for approximately 25 percent of the U.S.’s methane emissions. This issue is apparent because of the fact that methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is more toxic to the environment than carbon dioxide. Therefore, less wasted food means we release less methane gas, which is beneficial for the ecosystem (Environmental Impact of Food Waste in the US). The problem of food waste is difficult to solve because food is cheap in the U.S., and people are not knowledgeable about how to store food. The majority of Americans surveyed said they feel regretful for throwing away food, yet many do not have time to figure out ways to minimize their waste
(Goldberg). Finally, we have to reduce food waste because it is the most important problem in the environment.

One of the best solutions to combat food waste is to change consumers’ behavior in terms of buying, preparing, and storing food because consumers’ are the biggest wasters. The problem of food waste can be solved by making a shopping list, using measuring cups to determine the right portions, and knowing where and how to store specific products because more than half percent of the purchasers’ acquisitions are a waste. Also, consumers need a concrete action plan. Buying the right quantities, checking the pantry and fridge before shopping, and preparing meals with products that are close to their expiration date are the most logical ways for consumers to reduce food waste. The main reason people throw away food is that they cooked too much and after having prepared too much, they consider the leftover portions too small for storage. Modestly, they do not know what to do with the leftovers cuisine or partly used products, such as dairy, vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients (Simple Solutions for Food Waste). They need more information or advice on food storage methods.

Moreover, they need to plan their meals for the whole week before shopping and buy only the things needed for those meals. For example, consumers who decide what to eat on a daily basis waste more food than those who plan what they are going to eat in advance. By increasing their knowledge about the impacts of food wastage, food waste prevention measures, and raising awareness of the complication of food waste, it would help solve the problem because these factors are helpful to revise consumers’ comportment to minimize food waste. Additionally, they can contribute to reduce food waste and do something about it by buying and cooking specific quantities and using better storage techniques.

Some people may argue that the only way to avoid food waste is by donating some food for homeless and poor people. Donating leftovers can reduce food from landfills and puts cuisine on the table of tribes in need. It seems reasonable that food waste can only waste people's money who are actually buying or cooked too much, so by donating leftover food. We courage not to lose money. The aid of food from the mansion and trade can help poor or hungry people. Except for donating and leftover food can help edge the eagerness of poor people. They cannot manage the cost of a solitary time dinner for themselves and their family, so giving sustenance will make their stomach fill and remain solid. Feed hungry people is better than wasting food.

However, the problem with this solution is that food waste cannot be reduced. One of the primary reasons that food goes to waste is cost. Food donation is dear and may be difficult to take food from one place to another. Service and foundation have to bear the charge of adapting food for assistance, packing, and shipping. Also, people do not have time to take their leftover food to feed hungry people. For example, if we donate our leftovers food could be waste because some people think one person cannot makes such a big change to reduce food waste, so they throw away their leftovers. Teaching people that buying items with a smart list that they need and showing them ways how to store their leftover is a better way to reduce food waste. It is clear that changing consumers' behavior is the only solution to the problem.

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