About WildAid

Why Should We Try to Reduce Food Waste?

Up to 40% of food in the US gets wasted which adds up to an astounding 325 pounds of food per person every year. That’s 170 million metric tons of CO2e which adds up to about 42 coal fired power plants. Food waste isn’t just a social problem; when we waste food, we also waste water, labor, transportation, and energy. And when food ends up rotting in landfill, it releases noxious methane gas, a harmful pollutant. With skyrocketing food prices, average people are looking for ways to lower their food costs. We are here to help.

WildAid teamed up with The James Beard Foundation and The School of the Visual Arts to create a national ad campaign to show people some accessible ways to reduce food waste and at the same time save money, enjoy tasty meals and step more lightly on our planet.

A big salad with odds and ends of various lettuces, herbs, vegetables and stale bread made into croutons.
Vegetable soup made with vegetable and herb scraps.
Fried rice made with leftover take out rice and leftover vegetables.
Sour milk sugar cookies, made with milk that’s starting to turn but not curdled or rotten.
Rice pudding made with leftover rice and excess milk.
Tepache, a beverage made with water, sugar and pineapple rinds.

Know what items you already have, then make a shopping list before going to the grocery store. Once you’re there, stick to your list so you don’t buy more than you need.
Eat your leftovers.
Get creative. Use food scraps and leftovers to make soups, salads and sandwiches.
Store your food correctly so it stays fresh longer.
If you cook in large batches, freeze some of the food you prepare for later.

How-To

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