Amy Bosma
Professor Marrow
ENC1102 Tues./Thurs. 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
25 March 2017
The Land of Plenty: Food Waste in America The issue of food waste in the United States is becoming a recognizable problem and is worthy of examination. It is estimated that nearly twenty-five to forty percent of the food grown in the United States is never eaten. Consequently, the amount of edible food left to decompose in farmer’s fields or taken to landfills is estimated at seventy billion pounds per year, while some American families struggle with food insecurity or hunger, edible food is being left to rot (feedingamerica.org). Of course, the human impact of discarded food is an important aspect, but many other issues surrounding food waste exist. Some …show more content…
Common confusion for many consumers is the “sell by” or “use by” dates, leading consumers to believe when it is no longer safe to consume the product. The intent of the suggested dates established by groceries was to suggest when the consumer should consume the product for best taste and for how long it would look good on the store shelves (Dewey). Ironically, the USDA only demands product dating for infant formulas. As such, the USDA offers information to consumers detailing what common date labeling means and stresses that food safety is not what these dates indicate …show more content…
The reasons why America wastes inordinate amounts of food are perhaps the perception by some farmers, manufacturers, and consumers that only perfect appearing produce is worthy of buying and selling. Numerous shoppers are confused about what labeling “best by” and “use by” dates mean and therefore discard food before they should, further contributing to the problem of food waste. Moreover, food waste causes harm to humans; those who suffer with hunger and food insecurities are often the most vulnerable in our society. Likewise, the ecosystem is disrupted by additional toxins produced by decomposing fruits, vegetable, and other food products in heaping refuse dumps. Identically, water is another resource harmed by excess food waste, because it is used to produce foods destined for the rubbish pile. At the same time, endeavors to end food waste in America are taking place in communities across the United States. Government and environmental agencies are taking the lead and including major manufactures, local businesses, and community organizations to reduce, recover, and recycle food waste. On a global level, South Korea’s approach to eliminating food waste is a revolutionary step that other countries might follow. The old adage of “Waste Not, Want Not” certainly applies to the American problem of food
Professor Marrow
ENC1102 Tues./Thurs. 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
25 March 2017
The Land of Plenty: Food Waste in America The issue of food waste in the United States is becoming a recognizable problem and is worthy of examination. It is estimated that nearly twenty-five to forty percent of the food grown in the United States is never eaten. Consequently, the amount of edible food left to decompose in farmer’s fields or taken to landfills is estimated at seventy billion pounds per year, while some American families struggle with food insecurity or hunger, edible food is being left to rot (feedingamerica.org). Of course, the human impact of discarded food is an important aspect, but many other issues surrounding food waste exist. Some …show more content…
Common confusion for many consumers is the “sell by” or “use by” dates, leading consumers to believe when it is no longer safe to consume the product. The intent of the suggested dates established by groceries was to suggest when the consumer should consume the product for best taste and for how long it would look good on the store shelves (Dewey). Ironically, the USDA only demands product dating for infant formulas. As such, the USDA offers information to consumers detailing what common date labeling means and stresses that food safety is not what these dates indicate …show more content…
The reasons why America wastes inordinate amounts of food are perhaps the perception by some farmers, manufacturers, and consumers that only perfect appearing produce is worthy of buying and selling. Numerous shoppers are confused about what labeling “best by” and “use by” dates mean and therefore discard food before they should, further contributing to the problem of food waste. Moreover, food waste causes harm to humans; those who suffer with hunger and food insecurities are often the most vulnerable in our society. Likewise, the ecosystem is disrupted by additional toxins produced by decomposing fruits, vegetable, and other food products in heaping refuse dumps. Identically, water is another resource harmed by excess food waste, because it is used to produce foods destined for the rubbish pile. At the same time, endeavors to end food waste in America are taking place in communities across the United States. Government and environmental agencies are taking the lead and including major manufactures, local businesses, and community organizations to reduce, recover, and recycle food waste. On a global level, South Korea’s approach to eliminating food waste is a revolutionary step that other countries might follow. The old adage of “Waste Not, Want Not” certainly applies to the American problem of food