About Food Waste
In 2010, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, more than any other material category except paper. Less than three percent was recovered and recycled, the rest - 33 million tons - was thrown away, making food waste the single largest component of municipal solid waste reaching landfills and incinerators. Food waste has significant economic as well as environmental consequences. Whether you are an individual, family, or business, chances are a considerable portion of your budget goes towards buying food. That means we are throwing away a lot of our money. Food waste includes uneaten food and food preparation scraps from residences or households, commercial establishments like restaurants, grocery stores, cafeterias and industrial sources.
When food is disposed in a landfill it quickly rots and becomes a significant source of methane - a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Landfills are a major source of human-related methane in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all methane emissions. Reducing, recovering, and recycling food waste diverts organic materials from landfills and incinerators, reducing GHG emissions from landfills and waste combustion. The use of recycled food waste (compost) has many environmental benefits such as: improving soil health and structure; increasing drought resistance; and reducing the need for supplemental water, fertilizers, and pesticides. An additional benefit of food waste reduction, donation, and composting is improved sanitation, public safety and health. Reference: Reducing Food Waste for Businesses
News & Resources
Grant Resources & Links
Ecovim Product Demo
WVOX-radio 1460am interview
Loading the player...
Federal Resources:
EPA Grants and Debarment Regional Offices
US SBA Green Business Guide
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Register (FR) Environmental Subset
Federal Register Online via GPO Access
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
U.S. EPA Environmental Justice Grants
U.S. EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Contracts
General Resources:
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Northeast Recycling Council (NERC)
Reducing Food Waste for Business
US Green Building Council (USGBC)
|
