Originally published Dec 2015.
In 2016, an increasing number of businesses will be focusing on cutting food waste. Why? Because businesses can save billions by doing so. In the U.S., as much as 3000 pounds of food is wasted every second. During the holiday season, that figure is even higher. The problem is estimated to cost the food retail industry almost $47 billion in losses. It simply makes good business sense to save money by cutting food waste. As reported, across the country, efforts are being stepped up to deal with the issue.
- Earlier this year, we alerted you to the news that USDA and EPA has set the first-ever national food waste reduction goal – calling for a 50% reduction by 2030.
- The Food Recovery Act, introduced earlier this month, hopes to reduce food waste at the commercial level by encouraging food donations, promoting composting as a conservation practice eligible for support under USDA’s conservation programs, supporting food waste-to-energy projects, and other other efforts.
- The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which counts some 300 food, beverage and consumer product companies as members, launched the Food Waste Reduction Alliance to educate the industry.
- Hundreds of members of the Consumer Goods Forum, which includes some of the biggest names in food and drink, have committed to halve food waste within their operations by 2025, compared to a 2016 baseline.
Is your food waste problem costing you? Here are some resources to help:
RESOURCES:
- Overview: A Guide To New And Emerging Food Waste Technologies
- A Guide: Composting for Businesses and Organizations
- Best Practices and Emerging Solutions guide published by the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, offers strategies to keep food waste out of landfills.
- The National Restaurant Association’s Conserve program offers free informational and educational resources for sustainable operations including food waste reduction solutions and their LeanPath program.
Related:
- Businesses Can Save Billions by Cutting Food Waste, Environmental Leader
- Trends: The Food Waste Epidemic – What Can You Do? (includes a pdf that lists great compilation of food recovery efforts in various communities)