The United States faces an escalating food waste crisis. Despite federal goals to halve food waste by 2030, current trends paint a grim picture. A recent Nature Food study from the University of California, Davis, reveals alarming shortcomings in state policies. It emphasizes recycling over prevention and rescue efforts.
America ranks among the top global food wasters, with only two countries producing more waste. In 2016, the U.S. government set an ambitious target: reduce wasting to 164 pounds per person annually by 2030. Yet, food waste per capita has grown since then, signaling a failure to curb this environmental and ethical challenge.
WHY CURRENT POLICIES AREN’T ENOUGH
The study examined state policies across four areas: prevention, rescue, repurposing, and recycling. It found a heavy reliance on recycling methods like composting and anaerobic digestion. These strategies, while helpful, fall short of addressing the root causes of waste. Effective prevention is essential to tackle wastage.
In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) excluded recycling from its definition of food waste. This decision highlighted the importance of reducing waste at its source and redirecting excess food to those in need.
ETHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS OF FOOD WASTE
Wasting food extends beyond mere landfill overflow. It signifies wasted resources like water, energy, and fertilizer. According to the study’s principal investigator, Edward Spang, wastage accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By addressing foodwaste, we can cut down on these emissions.
“We waste more than a third of the food we produce. Meanwhile, millions face food insecurity,” said Sarah Kakadellis, the study’s lead author. “We need to focus on prevention and rescue strategies.”
EVALUATING STATE-LEVEL POLICIES
The study assessed states’ potential to reduce such thing through various policies:
- Prevention: Strategies like standardizing date labels to minimize wastage.
- Rescue: Measures like liability protection and tax incentives for food donations.
- Repurposing: Redirecting food for animal feed.
- Recycling: Organic waste bans and composting laws.
Despite these measures, many states lag behind. Only California, Vermont, and Arizona are on track to meet the 164-pound target by 2030.
RECYCLING ALONE WON’T SOLVE THE PROBLEM
Recycling foodwaste, while beneficial, fails to address its root causes. Even with recycling, the average American produces 328 pounds of food waste annually—double the federal goal. States like Arizona show high potential for diversion but also generate significant waste, highlighting the need for prevention-focused policies.
PANDEMIC’S ROLE IN WASTING TRENDS
The COVID-19 pandemic briefly reduced foodwaste as people cooked more at home and catered events diminished. Nonetheless, a return to pre-pandemic habits has reversed these gains. Kakadellis emphasizes that state policies must move beyond recycling to focus on prevention and rescue.
PATH FORWARD: PREVENTION AND RESCUE
Experts recommend shifting focus from recycling to upstream solutions like foodwaste prevention and rescue efforts. This includes:
- Educating consumers on proper storage and portion planning to reduce food waste.
- Encouraging businesses to donate surplus food.
- Improving infrastructure for food rescue operations to tackle food waste effectively.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS NEEDED
Meeting the 2030 goal requires collaboration between federal and state governments, businesses, and individuals. Comprehensive policies emphasizing prevention and rescue can significantly reduce food waste while addressing food insecurity.
