The US wants to cut food waste in half. We’re not even close.

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New analysis from the University of California, Davis reveals that the United States is falling short of its goal to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030.

In 2015, the U.S. set a target to cut food loss and waste in half by 2030 to reduce emissions from decomposing food in landfills, a major contributor to climate change.

Despite efforts at the state level, researchers found that no state is on track to meet the national waste reduction goal without more federal intervention.

Even with current reduction measures, the U.S. still generates about 328 pounds of food waste per person annually, the same as in 2016 when the waste-cutting goal was announced.

Lead author Sarah Kakadellis emphasizes the need for a shift in consumer attitudes towards waste management strategies like composting.

Composting, although beneficial for the environment, is considered a form of food waste and consumers must prioritize reducing waste by consuming food rather than composting it.

The EPA updated its definition of food waste in 2021 to include composting, emphasizing prevention as the best way to reduce waste before resorting to recycling methods like composting.

Both composting and prevention strategies are essential in diverting food waste from landfills, but national leadership is needed to address the issue effectively.

Until more options for food waste management are available, composting remains a practical solution for many people, but efforts should focus on prevention and reducing overproduction in the food system.

For more information, visit the original article on Grist’s website: https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/the-us-wants-cut-food-waste-in-half-were-not-even-close/.

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