When positive ideas trend, the world becomes a better place…which is why we’re excited to see so many businesses, consumers and activists rallying to end food waste!

This week marks the 2nd annual celebration of Food Waste Prevention Week, led by the team at ReFED, an event to combine forces and raise awareness on the environmental and social impacts of throwing away good food. 

"Most people know that wasting food is bad, but I think people are really just starting to realize that solutions already exist that can keep food from ending up in the garbage,” Lily Herd, Capital, Innovation & Engagement Manager at ReFED tells Replate. “And the more people start to learn about the positive impacts of reducing food waste – for the environment, for the economy, and for people struggling with food insecurity – it's really starting to be seen as one of those "no-brainer" actions that people can incorporate into their lives and businesses can incorporate into their operations."

In the past few years, world leaders have made reducing food waste a top priority in the fight against climate change. As a result, there’s been an ongoing rise in attention, innovation, and strategic action surrounding the issue. 

From products that allow consumers to break down surplus in their homes, to government mandates and investor demand, to initiatives that incorporate food recovery into office practice, everyone’s getting on the bandwagon.

How did food waste prevention earn such a spotlight?

For one, it’s an easy way to counter the climate crisis that doesn’t involve much effort or capital. Not everyone can afford to put solar panels on their homes, but most people can compost an apple core.

Beyond the ease, reducing food waste is a simple action that generates sizable results. 

According to Forbes, every year, food waste costs the country $400 billion, and also squanders consumer dollars. The average American throws $456 dollars down the drain annually on meals that don’t get eaten.

Further, food waste is a significant contributor to methane gas emissions. The EPA estimates that each year, U.S. food loss and waste generates the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions as 42 coal-fired power plants - and that’s not including what’s rotting in landfills. 

With over 50 million Americans facing food insecurity, treating food as waste is inefficient, costly, and frankly, inexcusable. 

Join the movement! Share this blog, share other resources, and do what you can to stop good food from ending up in the ground.

We hope everyone keeps the momentum up, even beyond this week!

Learn more on our website!