Jan 2, 2024 - News
Arkansas' food waste charted
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Consumers and businesses in Arkansas produced more than 880,000 tons of surplus food in 2022, nearly a 42% increase from 2016, per data from the nonprofit ReFED.
Why it matters: Wasting food also wastes the resources that went into producing it, with ripple effects on climate resources and the economy.
- Food waste makes up 24% of municipal landfill input and contributes to 6.1% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
- On average, a person wastes $759 on uneaten food each year.
Zoom out: Across the country, people and businesses did not eat or sell 88.7 million tons of food.
The big picture: ReFED suggests "Food Waste Five" strategies for reducing waste:
- Store food properly.
- Freeze food to extend its freshness.
- Dedicate a day each week for eating leftovers.
- Understand the meaning behind date "best by" labels.
- Plan your meals before buying groceries.
Methodology: Food surplus refers to food uneaten or unsold by people and businesses.<br/>