Established 1899
The Challenge: Reduce Food Waste
Why?
40% of the food grown in the US is never eaten. Nationwide, food waste (food scraps) make up the largest component of material that gets buried in landfills – approximately 22% or over 30 million tons per year. It’s estimated that as much as 30% of the waste stream is compostable. In Ulster County, that equates to about 33,000 tons or organics that could be diverted through reduction and composting.
Wasting food wastes everything; all the water, land, fertilizer, fuel, and energy used to grow and transport that good also goes to waste. In Canada, America, and Mexico combined, the impact of food waste is estimated to be about 168 million tons per year. Looking at the whole lifecycle impact of this waste:
In addition, by reducing food waste, you will save money. Given the cost of groceries these days, that can mean huge savings.
How?
Simple, small acts make a huge difference in preventing food loss and reducing food waste.
Learn how to use your leftovers efficiently!
For a complete list of ways you can reduce food waste your home, download Ulster Country Resource Recovery Agency’s new guide:
*Food waste. UCRRA. (2022, September 19). Retrieved December 22, 2022, from http://ucrra.org/waste-recycling/food-waste/