Stop Food Waste Day 2020!!
April 29th, 2020 is Stop Food Waste Day! A global issue, food waste has negative implications on our environment, society, and economies. Did you know
- 33% of all food produced is wasted each year which equates to $1.2 trillion dollars worth of food annually.
- If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emission producing country in the world
- Almost 50% of all fruit and vegetables produced around the globe is wasted every year-this is equivalent to almost 4 trillion apples!
- If 25% of the food that is currently lost or wasted was saved, it would be enough to feed 870 million hungry people worldwide.
Educated consumers can tremendously influence how we farm, produce, buy, store, and use food. Use these tips next time you shop for groceries and prepare meals to help make a big impact on reducing food waste.
- Make a List – A family of four loses around $1,500 each year by wasting food. When grocery shopping, take inventory of what you already have, what you need, and only purchase what you know you will use.
- Use your Freezer – Each of us discards nearly 300 pounds. Leftover meals, bread, fruits, and vegetables can all be frozen to extend their freshness and safety while avoiding the garbage pail!
- Conserve Water – Wasting a pound of beef is equivalent running the shower for over 3 hours! The longer meat is left out at room temperature, the faster it will spoil. Always shop for meat, poultry, and seafood last and store them in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.
- Revive your Veggies – Soaking vegetables in ice water for 5 to 10 minutes can revive wilted leaves. Vegetables that cannot be restored can still be used in cooked dishes like sautés or stir frys.
- Over Cooked isn’t Over for Good – Blending overcooked vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes or carrots together with stocks, milk, or cream make for delicious soups or sauces.
- Less Air = Less Freezer Burn – When storing bread, always squeeze excess air out of bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. While it is harmless, freezer burn affects taste.
- Don’t go Bananas – Brown or spotted bananas are fine to eat. Cut away bruised parts and consume the remaining bananas. Peeled bananas can be frozen and make a great addition to smoothies. Very brown bananas are optimal for baking breads and muffins.
- Waste Less with Kids – Serve children smaller portions. Studies show many children have to try a food up to 15 times until they accept it; increase portions when children enjoy the food.
Join CulinArt in raising awareness of this global crisis and make small but impactful changes that reduce food waste around the world!