“Everyone has a role to play”

In a historic announcement, the White House released a strategy to combat food waste in the United States, with goals of reducing planet-warming pollution and keeping money in people’s pockets.

On June 12, the White House released details of a groundbreaking strategy to reduce food waste in the United States. The program’s ambitious goals are supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Agriculture.

According to the New York Times, “The White House announced it would fund research into technologies that could extend the shelf life of foods, such as new varieties of seeds and better packaging.” The plan also provides funds for education in schools and collaboration with farmers to stem food losses at the production level.

“Every year, too much food produced in the United States ends up in landfills instead of on restaurant tables. This hurts our economy by increasing food costs and contributing to climate pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

A key driver of the plan is the government’s goal of reducing the amount of toxic gases released into the atmosphere. According to the White House strategy, “food waste is responsible for 58% of methane emissions from landfills released into the atmosphere, so diverting food waste from landfills is an effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions “.

This bold step could have significant impacts on the planet and the daily lives of many Americans. Although there is waste in every sector of our food system, it costs the average American $1,200 per year.

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Extending the shelf life of food and better understanding expiration dates will go a long way in helping people keep money in their wallets and food on their shelves. Additionally, these new guidelines will help more businesses and stores donate food to places like food banks.

“Everyone has a role to play in reducing food loss and waste, and I hope these federal commitments will inspire and catalyze action by the private sector and communities across the United States,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement, as reported by The Times.

Although it is historic for the executive branch to spearhead these efforts, the New York Times wrote: “The strategy falls far short of the food waste laws of other countries and even of those of certain American states. It does not contain any new regulations. »

However, this announcement adds to several other climate regulations from the Biden-Harris administration, ranging from green tax breaks through the Inflation Reduction Act to land conservation through the Bureau of Land Management.

It is hoped that this decision will help create a more climate-friendly future for generations to come.

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