Playing a Role on Earth Day

Posted on April 13, 2020

What’s a better way to celebrate Earth Day than by cutting down on food waste? Americans throw away about $165 billion worth of food each year, which is equal to about 35 million tons! This staggering amount of wasted food in the United States has far-reaching impacts on food security, resource conservation and climate change.

Since Whitsons has committed to being a US Food Loss & Waste Champion, we have pledged concrete steps to reduce our food loss and waste in our operations by 50% by the year 2030. However, we would like to take this one step further by encouraging everyone to take the necessary steps in reducing food waste at home. If we can each reduce our own food waste by 15%, it would be enough to feed more than 2 million Americans every year. Reducing our own food waste can also save money, conserve energy and support local communities. Here are several ways for you to get started:

• Plan weekly menus and make a shopping list for specific meals.
• Keep food shopping local.
• Buy and serve smaller portions.
• Try freezing those fruits and vegetables that are about to turn as this can extend their usage.
• Keep meat in the coldest part of the refrigerator: the bottom shelf.
• Dry goods and oils should be stored in airtight containers in a cool and dark place.
• Milk should be kept in its original container in the back of the fridge.