April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on how our daily choices impact the planet and take meaningful action toward sustainability. This month, we'll explore a different environmental challenge — starting with food waste — and provide practical steps you can take to reduce your footprint. Small changes add up, and together, we can create a healthier, more resilient world.
Tackling food waste
Every day, the average American produces 4.9 pounds of trash — a staggering amount that contributes to overflowing landfills and environmental harm (EPA, 2022). A significant …
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April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on how our daily choices impact the planet and take meaningful action toward sustainability. This month, we'll explore a different environmental challenge — starting with food waste — and provide practical steps you can take to reduce your footprint. Small changes add up, and together, we can create a healthier, more resilient world.
Every day, the average American produces 4.9 pounds of trash — a staggering amount that contributes to overflowing landfills and environmental harm (EPA, 2022). A significant portion of this waste comes from food. In fact, 30 to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted, the equivalent of bringing home three grocery bags and tossing one straight into the trash (USDA, 2021).
When food waste ends up in landfills, the bacteria decomposing the biomass under anaerobic conditions produce methane — a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere (EPA, 2023). Food waste is responsible for 8 to10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major driver of climate change (United Nations, 2021).
There are simple steps you can take to reduce food waste and live more sustainably. First, plan your meals and shop smart by making a grocery list based on what you need and sticking to it. Buying in bulk can be great, but only if you use what you purchase.
Proper food storage also makes a significant difference. Many fruits and vegetables last longer when stored correctly. For example, bananas, avocados and tomatoes should be kept at room temperature, while leafy greens last longer in a crisper drawer (NRDC, 2017).
Consider embracing "ugly" produce as well. Misshapen or slightly bruised fruits and vegetables are often perfectly good to eat but frequently get discarded by grocery stores and shoppers. Organizations like Misfits Market and Hungry Harvest rescue this produce and deliver it at a discount.
Even with the best intentions, some food waste is inevitable. Composting keeps organic matter out of landfills, reducing methane emissions and creating nutrient-rich soil.
If you have surplus food to donate, several local organizations can help. The Share Food Program (sharefoodprogram.org) distributes food to those in need across the region. Philabundance (philabundance.org) accepts food donations and fights food insecurity. The Sunday Love Project (sundaylove.org) provides meals for Philadelphia residents experiencing homelessness. The South Philly Community Fridge (southphillyfridge.com) stocks locations with produce, pantry staples and prepared meals that would otherwise be wasted.
For composting options, Philadelphia residents can turn to Bennett Compost (bennettcompost.com), a curbside composting service. The Philly Compost Co-op offers a community-based composting initiative. Compost NOW at Weavers Way provides drop-off composting at their Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy locations. And Back to Earth Compost (backtoearthcompost.com) offers residential curbside and commercial compost pickup in suburban Philadelphia.
Want to see how much you can cut down on waste? Try this challenge: Track your food waste for one week and make small adjustments. Share your progress and tips with friends or on social media to inspire others.
By making small changes, we can reduce waste, save money and help protect the planet. Let's make every day Earth Day — starting with what's on our plates.
