Food Waste: How We Can Overcome The Alarming Facts And Dire Predictions

Published November 17, 2015
Updated February 27, 2024

Food Waste: The Environment

Food Waste Dump

Image Source: Food Navigator

Food Waste Landfill

Image Source: MPLS Green

Food Waste Cargo Plane

Image Source: Reddit

Because we are piling most of our food waste (some of it nearly untouched since the farm) into landfills, by the time the food begins to decompose, it has been buried under mounds of trash. As a result, there is no oxygen for it to use during decomposition, resulting in the creation of massive amounts of methane gas. In contrast, composting allows for aerobic decomposition and turns the waste into fertilizer, which will help grow more crops. But few states have pushed any public composting programs, so the process is scarcely utilized. In an era of constant technological advancement, it’s puzzling that the environmentally and economically questionable landfill option remains the backbone of our waste management method.

Furthermore, before we even have a chance to waste it, our food is traveling immense distances to get to us. This, of course, burns takes its own serious toll on the environment and burns through serious resources…

author
Callie Stewart
author
Callie Stewart is a writer, graphic designer, and photographer living in New York City. She is a big fan of anthropology, music, art, the written word, a good glass of wine and The Jerk.
editor
Savannah Cox
editor
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.