Susan Shain wrote this interesting article about our lethal eating habits in yesterday's New York Times Food section. Ms. Shain is part of the Headway Team at the newspaper, an initiative exploring the world's challenges through the lens of progess. Food waste is the number one environmental problem in the US right now. It's more destructive than even the methane emissions from the aviation industry which is claiming a lot. The idea of no waste needs attention. We have a better shot of somewhat conquering climate change if we're more frugal and mindful of what we use. Americans have a tendency to take our abundance for granted. We just keep buying whether we need the food or not. Spinach gets pushed to the back of the fridge. Avocadoes and tomatoes are forgotten as other veggies are brought in. That leads to it being eventually being tossed into landfills. LUckily Ohio is keeping track of all this waste. The South Ohio waste Company or SWACO is actively measuring what people are throwing out . They went to North Arlington, a wealthy suburb of Columbus. also another company GT environmental also tracked what residents were throwing out. They were divided into three catagories according to senior manager Dan Graeter and there was a lot fo food wasted.
How do we combat this? SWACO's former executive director Ty Marsh feels it's in the pocketbook. The average Ohio family spens a whopping $1,500 for unwanted food each year. That's also tewnty-two millions(!!!) of gallons a gas used each year to drive to the grocery store. They've shared tips with how to create meal plans and freeze elftovers. some residents have even received offers of free Blueapple pods which helps produce stay fresh longer along with bins and liners for easy composting. Yet it may be the next generation that will help get us out of the mess. sixth grader Riley Savage of Ohio has been ridign her mother Jennifer for her wasteful habits. It started two years ago when Mrs.S avage was throwing out old stuffed pappers, Riley's favorite food. The waste of it all made the then fourth grader cry. Her parents quickly amneded their ways. Mr. Savage was turning last night's leftovers into his work lunch while Mrs/ Savage was much more conscientious about what she cooked. Even schools are teaching the importnace of envirnmnetalism. Riley's school Horizon Elementary has a cafeteria where first graders like Tobias are learning about composting, recycling and landfills. There is triumph in learning where each piece fo garbage goes. Leftover nuggets and cheese sticks are left for other students to much on.
It' s not too late to reverse out bad habits. do it for your family and your wallet. Most of all do it for our planet.
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