January, 2023 Happy New Year! |
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"We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." -Howard Zinn Looking for a resolution? Think about decreasing food waste. It's good for the planet and for your pocketbook! |
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Before we start, please note that the Decatur MLK Jr. Service Project takes place the weekend of January 14-16! Go to mlkserviceproject.com to sign up for a shift. Several Decatur Cares About Climate members will be helping with the "weatherization of attics and basements". You can choose our group in the drop down. When you are prompted to put, "anything else you would like to share", just again write: join Decatur Cares About Climate on Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 from 1-5 PM. |
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LEARN: HOW IS THIS A CLIMATE SOLUTION? Food that is mixed in with a landfill anaerobically metabolizes to produce methane. Food waste accounts for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as commercial aviation! Methane is more than eighty times stronger than carbon dioxide as a heat-trapper. Climate scientists say that we need to cut methane emissions now in order to keep climate warming below 2 degrees Celsius. You can significantly decrease methane by decreasing food waste and composting! It is estimated that the average family wastes $1,500/year on food they don’t eat, and 22 million gallons of gas is used annually to transport food that’s thrown away. In central Ohio, with social networking, households decreased their food waste by 23%. Educating kids was critical to the solution!
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ACT: CHOOSE TWO (or MORE) Shop with a list and create a meal plan. Freeze leftovers (Use painters tape to label containers). Eggs and yogurt are typically good for five weeks after their ‘sell by’ date. You can use Bluapple pods or other similar products with your produce, which help it stay fresh for longer. Share food with your friends. Do a food waste experiment. Put all your leftover food in a large tupperware (you can keep it in the freezer so it doesn't smell). Notice how much you wasted. Purchase “ugly” fruits or vegetables that often get left behind at the grocery store but are safe to eat. Use these in smoothies or bake with them! They are often cheaper When eating out, ask for smaller portions to prevent plate waste and keep you from overeating. If you generally don't eat the food given, make a habit of bringing a container with you to take some home. You can use leftover herbs (they are so expensive!!) later: puree herbs with oil (any kind) and a pinch of salt in your blender, then freeze them in ice cube trays. You can use these to flavor pasta, soups, or beans, and they keep their flavor for at least 6 months.
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ADVOCATE: Talk about why decreasing food waste is a good idea for the planet and your pocketbook with two friends and share the tips below. Form a small network of people to share food you would otherwise throw away. Tell people on social media you are doing this!
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