Cut the Waste, Cut the Emissions: Reducing Cafeteria Food Waste at John Abbott College
Cut the Waste, Cut the Emissions: Reducing Cafeteria Food Waste at John Abbott College
The Issue
Climate change is a large-scale global issue and it influences the state of the Earth and human conditions in numerous ways. It is causing higher temperatures, detrimental weather patterns and increases the world’s global poverty and world-wide hunger levels. Methane emitted from landfill sites in Canada, causes 17% of total environmental emissions: this is due to the decomposing of organic matter, such as food, being present in the landfills (Munucipal Solid, 2023a). The decomposition of organic waste produces methane and this is a powerful greenhouse gas which quickens climate change.
John Abbott College has already taken a large stride in reducing its environmental footprint, through their Climate Action Plan. Some action implemented so far include offering more plant-based food, buying local, and promoting awareness around environmental concerns in the community (Annual sustainability, 2025). This proves the college’s environmentally aware mentality.
However, John Abbott could expand on its plan, and dedicate a little more focus to the part played by the cafeteria’s food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. When foods decay, they can emit differing amounts of gas, and some are worse offenders than others.
Proposed solution
We respectfully ask that Student Services consider the following next steps to further reduce the cafeteria’s environmental impact:
• Evaluate how cafeteria food waste is processed after disposal, including composting and landfill practices, to identify opportunities for reducing methane emissions.
• Analyze which types of food contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions when wasted, to prioritize low-impact options and advertise this information in the cafeteria.
• Expand the variety of plant-based and minimally processed meals, building on the current offerings, to reduce the overall environmental footprint of the cafeteria.
• Provide clear, student-facing information about how food choices and waste affect greenhouse gas emissions, helping students make more sustainable decisions.
References
Municipal solid waste and greenhouse gases in Canada (2023a).
Food loss and waste. (2023b).
Annual sustainability report on the Climate Action Plan 2024–2025 (2025).
HHS reduces food waste to reduce greenhouse gases (2021).
https://hospitalnews.com/hhs-reduces-food-waste-to-reduce-greenhouse-gases/
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The Issue
Climate change is a large-scale global issue and it influences the state of the Earth and human conditions in numerous ways. It is causing higher temperatures, detrimental weather patterns and increases the world’s global poverty and world-wide hunger levels. Methane emitted from landfill sites in Canada, causes 17% of total environmental emissions: this is due to the decomposing of organic matter, such as food, being present in the landfills (Munucipal Solid, 2023a). The decomposition of organic waste produces methane and this is a powerful greenhouse gas which quickens climate change.
John Abbott College has already taken a large stride in reducing its environmental footprint, through their Climate Action Plan. Some action implemented so far include offering more plant-based food, buying local, and promoting awareness around environmental concerns in the community (Annual sustainability, 2025). This proves the college’s environmentally aware mentality.
However, John Abbott could expand on its plan, and dedicate a little more focus to the part played by the cafeteria’s food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. When foods decay, they can emit differing amounts of gas, and some are worse offenders than others.
Proposed solution
We respectfully ask that Student Services consider the following next steps to further reduce the cafeteria’s environmental impact:
• Evaluate how cafeteria food waste is processed after disposal, including composting and landfill practices, to identify opportunities for reducing methane emissions.
• Analyze which types of food contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions when wasted, to prioritize low-impact options and advertise this information in the cafeteria.
• Expand the variety of plant-based and minimally processed meals, building on the current offerings, to reduce the overall environmental footprint of the cafeteria.
• Provide clear, student-facing information about how food choices and waste affect greenhouse gas emissions, helping students make more sustainable decisions.
References
Municipal solid waste and greenhouse gases in Canada (2023a).
Food loss and waste. (2023b).
Annual sustainability report on the Climate Action Plan 2024–2025 (2025).
HHS reduces food waste to reduce greenhouse gases (2021).
https://hospitalnews.com/hhs-reduces-food-waste-to-reduce-greenhouse-gases/
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Petition created on 5 April 2026