1. Reducing Food Waste in the Home
Leah Walton 2012

2. Food Waste in America 350 million barrels of oil
The amount of food Americans toss out equals about
350
million
barrels of oil
by energy equivalents.
-Dr. MICHAEL WEBBER Associate Director, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Texas at Austin
About twice as much energy as what Switzerland consumes in a year for all purposes.
Overall, it takes three-quarters of a gallon of oil to produce a pound of beef.
The steer in the photos weighs about 1,250 pounds.

3. Food Waste on a Budget
American families throw away about 25% of food and beverages they buy
Lack of awareness and undervaluing foods
The cost estimate for a family of 4 is
$1,365 to $2,275 annually
15 out of 18 students (in this room) worry about their financial situation and it affects their food purchasing.
Food waste happens at all stages of production
25% is as if you went shopping, got 5 bags of food, and threw one away instead of putting it away
Gunders, D. (2012, August). Wasted: How america is losing up to 40 percent of its food from farm to fork to landfill. National resources defense council,

4. Do You Waste Food? Take a look at your receipt
Highlight all of the foods and beverages you threw away
Write the letter that best explains why you threw the food away next to the item
A) It was not stored correctly
B) It was not visible in storage (in fridge or pantry)
C) The ingredient was partially used, but then went bad
D) Misjudged food needs
E) The label said it was not good anymore

5. Pre-Assessment Results

6. A. It was not stored correctly
1. Keep food storage containers organized and on hand
2. Keep an icepack ready in the freezer to grab and go
3. Invest in an insulated lunch bag
Keep a healthy fridge by checking the temperature and seals

7. B. It was not visible in storage
Keep storage spaces clutter free
Use clear baskets that can be pulled out
If space is an issue, keep non-perishable drinks out of the fridge at least until opened.
Store clear food containers upside down (with the clear part facing up) so it’s easier to see the contents
Don’t remove packaging for freshness or with prep directions

8. C. The ingredient was partially used, but went bad
Take advantage of all of your modern resources (APPS!)
FRESHBOX & EPICURIOUS
Take a look at your receipt, is there anything you highlighted that you couldn’t put in a soup, scramble, salad, or smoothie?

9. C. The ingredient was partially used, but went bad
Imperfect ≠ Inedible
Have a use-it-up meal
Make a soup, scramble, or smoothie!
Freeze the remaining portion
National Center for Home Food Preservation

10. D. Misjudged food needs
Use your past receipts to find a pattern in wasting habits
Serve small portions
Use a small plate
or bowl

11. E. The label said it was not good anymore
“Use by” and “ Best by” dates are not regulated, and are typically suggestions from the manufacturer for quality, not safety.
Use your senses to determine if a food is okay or not
Check your foods before they need to be thrown out so you can take preventative action
Freezing or donating
Only specific product date labels are regulated--like baby formula.
45-49% of consumers misunderstand those labels.
In the UK they were removed to reduce confusion

12. Thank You!