
(NRDC)
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
(NRDC)
Americans throw away nearly one half of all food, causing massive environmental and fiscal damage, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
According to the report 40 percent of food is wasted in the US amounting to a loss of $165 billion per year. That wasted food also represents one quarter of all freshwater consumed in the US, as it is needed for agriculture and food production. Food waste is also the cause of 23 percent of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
"As a country, we're essentially tossing every other piece of food that crosses our path - that's money and precious resources down the drain," said Dana Gunders, NRDC project scientist with the food and agriculture program. "With the price of food continuing to grow, and drought jeopardizing farmers nationwide, now is the time to embrace all the tremendous untapped opportunities to get more out of our food system. We can do better."
The report, Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm To Fork to Landfill, pools data from case studies and government data. Its key findings also include:
Nationally, fresh produce is the most wasted type of food, due to inefficient and wasteful retail and restaurant practices.
However, the report also finds that everyday consumers waste large amounts of food through excessive portioning and uneaten leftovers.
"No matter how sustainably our food is farmed, if it's not being eaten, it is not a good use of resources," said Gunders. "Fortunately, there are ways to tackle the food waste problem, and everyone can play a role."
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Americans throw away nearly one half of all food, causing massive environmental and fiscal damage, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
According to the report 40 percent of food is wasted in the US amounting to a loss of $165 billion per year. That wasted food also represents one quarter of all freshwater consumed in the US, as it is needed for agriculture and food production. Food waste is also the cause of 23 percent of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
"As a country, we're essentially tossing every other piece of food that crosses our path - that's money and precious resources down the drain," said Dana Gunders, NRDC project scientist with the food and agriculture program. "With the price of food continuing to grow, and drought jeopardizing farmers nationwide, now is the time to embrace all the tremendous untapped opportunities to get more out of our food system. We can do better."
The report, Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm To Fork to Landfill, pools data from case studies and government data. Its key findings also include:
Nationally, fresh produce is the most wasted type of food, due to inefficient and wasteful retail and restaurant practices.
However, the report also finds that everyday consumers waste large amounts of food through excessive portioning and uneaten leftovers.
"No matter how sustainably our food is farmed, if it's not being eaten, it is not a good use of resources," said Gunders. "Fortunately, there are ways to tackle the food waste problem, and everyone can play a role."
Americans throw away nearly one half of all food, causing massive environmental and fiscal damage, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
According to the report 40 percent of food is wasted in the US amounting to a loss of $165 billion per year. That wasted food also represents one quarter of all freshwater consumed in the US, as it is needed for agriculture and food production. Food waste is also the cause of 23 percent of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
"As a country, we're essentially tossing every other piece of food that crosses our path - that's money and precious resources down the drain," said Dana Gunders, NRDC project scientist with the food and agriculture program. "With the price of food continuing to grow, and drought jeopardizing farmers nationwide, now is the time to embrace all the tremendous untapped opportunities to get more out of our food system. We can do better."
The report, Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm To Fork to Landfill, pools data from case studies and government data. Its key findings also include:
Nationally, fresh produce is the most wasted type of food, due to inefficient and wasteful retail and restaurant practices.
However, the report also finds that everyday consumers waste large amounts of food through excessive portioning and uneaten leftovers.
"No matter how sustainably our food is farmed, if it's not being eaten, it is not a good use of resources," said Gunders. "Fortunately, there are ways to tackle the food waste problem, and everyone can play a role."