April 5-9 is Food Waste Prevention Week
Posted On: March 22, 2021
Did you know on average a family of four wastes $1,500 a year in spoiled food? In light of today’s economic challenges, we need to make sure we’re not throwing our money away!
Volusia County’s Solid Waste and Environmental Management divisions are taking part in the first-ever Florida Food Waste Prevention Week from April 5 to 9 to inspire residents and businesses to prevent food waste, protect the environment and save money. They will post daily tips on the County of Volusia Facebook page each day during the week.
Solid Waste has joined the initiative in hopes of reducing the amount of wasted food that winds up in the Tomoka Landfill. From uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce, about 68% of wasted food winds up in landfills or combustion centers. When food decomposes in a landfill, it releases methane gas, which contributes to climate change.
Environmental Management is looking at the issue from a “green” point of view. By keeping food from going to waste, we are conserving natural resources, slowing climate change and building resilient communities.
Consider these disturbing facts: Forty percent of food in America is wasted, which is the equivalent of every American wasting 290 pounds of food a year.
So, what can you do to reduce food waste in your home?
Here are a few tips from the Environmental Protection Agency:
- Before going to the grocery store, look in your refrigerator and cabinets first.
- Buy no more than you expect to use.
- Freeze, preserve or can extra fruits and vegetables.
- Slow fruits’ ripening process by storing bananas, apples and tomatoes by themselves, and store vegetables in separate bins.
- To prevent mold, wait to wash berries until you want to eat them.
- Freeze food such as bread, sliced fruit and meat that you know you won’t be able to eat in time.
- Plan an “eat the leftovers” night each week.
Learn more about food waste prevention, visit www.SaveTheFoodFL.com or www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-wasted-food-home.
