Do you know how much food and money your business is throwing away? The Food Recovery Challenge, launched by Waste Wise and the Environmental Protection Agency has been created to assist businesses in reducing as much of food waste as possible and therefore saving money, helping their community, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.
Why should your business get involved in food waste reduction, recycling, and recovery? In 2010, food waste generation was approximately 35 million tons and of that total, 97% was disposed of in landfills or incinerators. Why is this such an environmentally destructive problem? When excess food is send to a landfill, the scraps decompose and turn into methane — an extremely destructive greenhouse gas. Unfortunately, a great amount of this “food waste” is not garbage at all, but untouched, safe food and produce that could feed hungry and disadvantaged citizens in the community. It is estimated that a little over 14% of households are unable to provide sufficient food. Consumption-grade food that is no longer desired by a business could be provided to those in need through charitable organizations, non-profit community groups, and houses of worship. Food scraps that are not fit for consumption can be composted and reused as rich fertilizer and soil amendment. Participating in the Food Recovery Challenge will give your business the tools and resources it needs to get started on a program to reduce food waste, donate usable food, and recycle or compost food scraps.
WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Food waste recycling can improve your businesses bottom line through reduced waste disposal fees and increase your standing in the community by helping those less fortunate.