Every year, more than 80 billion lbs of food get thrown away, completing about 30-40% of the food supplies in the US. According to usgov.org, this estimate corresponded to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010. US restaurants alone generate an estimated 22 to 33 billion pounds of food waste each year, while institutions such as schools, hospitals and hotels generate an additional 7 to 11 billion pounds per year. This in total would be enough to end world hunger 4 times over.

 Misinformation, as well as poor planning and ignorance, are some of the main reasons why this problem only keeps on escalating. It's not only a matter of human decency or economic instability, but of the world and its environment. According to Foodprint.org, only 5% of the food in the US is composted, while the rest gets either incinerated or thrown away into landfills, landfills in which food gradually starts to break down and form methane, a greenhouse gas that's up to 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. 

So, what can we do to stop it?

Many people give up when facing this question, thinking, "I'm not enough to make a difference" but truth is, our efforts are not futile. When coming together we can make way greater things than we could possible imagine.

Sign every petition to stop food waste you come across, donate what you don't need to local shelters and food banks, ask questions and inform yourself. Set an example to the people you love and raise awareness on this issue. We're all together in this, and our duty is to protect the place we live in. Say no to food waste, and yes to empathy and sensibility.

As Henry Ford once said, "if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."