Going Green: For Planet and Your Wallet
Food Waste Prevention Week, a collaborative project with many U.S. states and parts of Mexico, is April 10–16 this year. Why devote a week to raising awareness about food waste? Because using food well prevents waste, saves money, and reduces harm to our environment.
Some facts: in Oregon, the average household wastes 35% of food purchased, which equals about $1,800 each year. This wasted food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Preventing a ton of food waste reduces greenhouse gases more than just keeping food waste out of the landfill does. (Reduce, reuse, then recycle applies to food, too).
Why grow, process, package, transport, store, sell, and then buy food that won’t be used? It’s like buying three bags of groceries and leaving one in the parking lot!
And most of the food thrown out could have been eaten, which is a very preventable problem. Here are some ways to take action to save food:
- Store food properly so it lasts longer. Keep fridge at its best setting and don’t pack it so full you can’t see what’s there.
- Plan meals and use a grocery list, but shop your fridge, freezer, and pantry first. Use what you have.
- Prepare less to avoid extra. Our culture encourages surplus, options, and large portions, which can lead to waste.
- Kids in the house? Involve them in meal planning and preparation when appropriate.
- Finish leftovers or freeze and use later.
During this week and all year long, consider paying attention to the food you buy, prepare, and eat. These low-tech tips can help us love food, not waste it. Learn more about these and other helpful tips from Oregon DEQ at dontletgoodfoodgobad.org.
Ideas, questions, or comments? Contact elizabeth.ann.erickson@gmail.com.
Liz Erickson has lived in the neighborhood with her husband and two children since 2009. Growing up in Beaverton, she remembers visiting grandparents on NE 42nd and walking to Rose’s Ice Cream for a scoop of butter brickle. Fun facts: she’s visited 46 states, 46 countries, is a Master Recycler volunteer with the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and served in the Peace Corps in Morocco.