Incredibly as much as 40% of food in this country goes uneaten. That's over $1 trillion price of food that is wasted every year in america alone. Even more staggering is thatDo Something estimates one in six Americans struggles with hunger.

WHERE IS ALL THIS FOOD GOING?

Most of this uneaten food winds up rotting in landfills and it is the only largest component in our US municipal solid waste. A whole lot worse, it makes up about a sizable part of our methane emissions. Let’s not forget concerning the freshwater, energy, and land that was accustomed to produce the food in the first place. In effect, improving our food waste issues would not only help those Americans that lack the food they require (reducing losses by 15% would feed more than 25 million) however it would also be better for our planet.

What Can you Do?

#1 – SHOP LOCAL

Most communities possess a weekly farmer’s market where you can purchase goods from local farmers. It's a great way to meet and support the local farmers and buy seasonal produce, eggs, and meat. Local food has traveled a significantly shorter distance for you and it is fresher and more flavorful. With respect to the climate where you reside, yours might only run in the summer months. If your town doesn’t have one, be sure to check neighboring communities. Or get one started! The whole community will benefit from your efforts.

In some areas, farms will allow you to pick your own produce within their fields. Not only is this a great weekend activity with the kids, it’salso a great way to educate them on where our food originates from.

#2 – TRY MISFITS PRODUCE

Misfits Produce is just one of many rescued produce subscription services now distributing otherwise too “ugly’ produce to Americans. What's “ugly” produce? Produce that doesn’t meet certain standards set by the government is often thrown away. These aren’t safety and health standards but they are typically related to size, shape, and search. Produce could be thrown away if itis too big, funny shaped, or too small. This food never even hits the supermarket shelves.

We like Misfits because they targetlocal, organic producers and actively support farmers’ cooperatives that struggle to make ends meet. The farms they use also don't have the infrastructure to donate the produce so be assured you’re not implementing away from your local food banks. And in addition they are dedicated to serving and providing affordable produce to all Americans. Theydeliver to any or all zip codes in the areas they ship (currently in the Northeast) and frequently have produce from the farm to your doorstep in under four days. You can join thewait list to discover once they expand their delivery to your area.

Their packages start at $19 a box and could be sized for both small and large families.

#3 – SHOP WISELY

Simply put, only buy what you need. And that we all know better than to grocery shop if we are hungry! Shop having a list along with a purpose. Just like important as buying right is to only cook what you need. Size up what’s inside your fridge and use food before it goes bad. Try planning out your meals for the week and eat your leftovers. One last consideration before that food gets into the garbage is composting. Determine if there is a service in your town or occupy composting yourself. You might be surprised at how easy it's.

#4 – STORE WITH CARE

How you store the food may have a huge effect on its lifespan. Ensure the containers that you employ have a tight seal and we always suggest glass over plastic. Your standard mason jars or Weck jars are wonderful options and are available in many different shapes and sizes.

If you’re leaving town or notice food that will go bad, store it properly and it'll not go to waste.

Here would be the 5 best foods that we waste:

1. Bread – before yourbread products (including bagels, rolls, etc.) go south, slice it, and store it within the freezer. When you are prepared to consume a slice, simply grab the thing you need and throw it within the toaster oven.
2. Milk – milk could possibly be the toughest product in order to save. Purchase only what you need and before it goes bad consider using it to make something that will store well within the freezer, like nice cream.
3. Potatoes – potatoes should be kept in a dark, cool (45-55o F), dry place, although not inside your fridge. They should also be stored in a gift basket or breathable cotton sack. Before your potatoes go bad, wash them, chop them up, let them dry completely, and put these questions glass container in the freezer. These is a great compliment to the breakfast, remove them in the freezer and sauteé them in a pan with avocado oil and salt & pepper.
4. Cheese – I put my cheese in the actual freezer in the packaging it arrived. You can also transfer it to some glass container with a better seal. Once I’m ready to eat it I put it back in the fridge the night time before to thaw out. Or maybe it’s shredded cheese and you’re adding it to something which is going within the oven, you add it to the dish in its frozen state.
5. Apples – another tricky item in order to save, apples are tough to preserve within the freezer. You are able to slice them, freeze them, and throw these questions smoothie or use them as “ice cubes” inside a sangria. We believe the very best bet is by using these to bake muffins or perhaps an apple bread before they go bad. After that you can freeze the muffins or bread should you don’t plan to eat everything. You can follow the guidelines for most any fruit.