Environmental Impacts of Food Waste?

Food waste has now become a global issue. Food waste depletes land and water resources. Food waste rots in a landfill and emits methane which is a more harmful gas than CO2. Greenhouse gas emission from food waste is a significant reason behind climate change. Food wasted not only emits greenhouse gas but also wastes the inputs like producing, transporting, processing and storing. As per the report of U.S Environmental Protection Agency food waste comprises of 24% of landfills in the U.S.?

Food wasted is equivalent to waste of resources – water, land and energy, negatively impacting the natural resources, environment and biodiversity. As per the report of EPA over one third of the produced food in the U.S is not even, leading to food waste. Water loss is a serious environmental issue caused by food waste. Water is an important factor in the food producing process be it vegetables or animal products and waste of these food products is equivalent to loss or waste of water.?

The most alarming impact is climate change and this is due to greenhouse gases like methane, CO2, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons. This increases the heat in the atmosphere. Data published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that food waste is causing 8 to 10% of emission of harmful gases that is a major factor behind global warming.?

It is necessary that we think about it seriously and make some changes to reduce food waste. Mindful eating, proper storing of foods, buying as per our needs and meal planning are some of the ways to reduce food waste, thereby saving our environment.?

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@ https://www.epa.gov?