Statistics available when Jonathan Bloom was writing American Wasteland showed that even though America represents 5 percent of planet population yet on average each American throws away 197 pounds of food per year. It adds up to 100 billion pounds of trash for the whole country.
I failed to write about American Wasteland when it was published in 2010. I can make up for that oversight as it is Now available in Paperback (published August 2011).
Is waste caused by our tendency to buy many things in size large.
Huge portions in some restaurants with 'doggy bags' for leftovers are one example.
Another reason highlighted by the author is our obsession with picture perfect produce which means that slight blemishes and oddly shaped fruits and vegetables get discarded.
Jonathan Bloom also sees bulk shopping at superstores as creating waste.
If you are already conscious of your wasteful ways, feeling guilty about it and ready for an action plan, here are a few steps Jonathan suggests:
-Take realistic look at how many times you will eat at home during the week, then plan your menu
– When shopping, make a list and stick to it, avoid buying things you don't need just because they're on display.
-Shop for produce last, it will loose freshness that compromises its shelf life while you shop
-Eat before you shop, if you're not hungry, you'll fall victim to fewer impulse buys.
-Avoid the temptation of 2 for 1 deal-if you need 1, buy 1.
I barely scratched the surface as to what the book has to offer.
Obviously, there will always be things in our fridge ready to go to waste.
Before they go bad, head for the nearest food pantry and feed someone who needs it.
At $16 (full price) and much less on sale, paperback of American Wasteland (Lifelong Books-Da Capo) is worth the investment both for your wallet and for the planet.
I am a recovering food waster for Green Day #191
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