Report: Food Waste is Becoming an Economic and Environmental Issue Around the World

Food Waste

With so many people in the world going hungry every day, it’s awful to consider that millions of tons of food are being thrown in the garbage.

The New York Times reported on February 25 that “a report released Wednesday shows that about 60 million metric tons of food is wasted a year in the United States, with an estimated value of $162 billion. About 32 million metric tons of it end up in municipal landfills, at a cost of about $1.5 billion a year to local governments.” 

And it’s not just in the United States: “The report estimates that a third of all the food produced in the world is never consumed, and the total cost of that food waste could be as high as $400 billion a year. Reducing food waste from 20 to 50 percent globally could save $120 billion to $300 billion a year by 2030, the report found.”

The New York Times went on to report:

“Food waste is a global issue, and tackling it is a priority,” said Richard Swannell, director of sustainable food systems at the Waste and Resources Action Program, or Wrap, an antiwaste organization in Britain that compiled the new report. “The difficulty is often in knowing where to start and how to make the biggest economic and environmental savings.”

The food discarded by retailers and consumers in the most developed countries would be more than enough to feed all of the world’s 870 million hungry people, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

But it is not just those countries that have problems with food waste. The report showed that it is also an issue in African countries like South Africa.

The problem is expected to grow worse as the world’s population increases, the report found. By 2030, when the global middle class expands, consumer food waste will cost $600 billion a year, unless actions are taken to reduce the waste, according to the report.

Food waste is not only a social cost, but it contributes to growing environmental problems like climate change, experts say, with the production of food consuming vast quantities of water, fertilizer and land. The fuel that is burned to process, refrigerate and transport it also adds to the environmental cost.

Most food waste is thrown away in landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Globally, it creates 3.3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, about 7 percent of the total emissions, according to the report.

The United Nations agency points out that methane gas from the world’s landfills are surpassed in emissions by only China and the United States.

“Seven percent is not the largest contributor of greenhouse gasses, but it’s not an insignificant amount,” said Helen Mountford, the director of economics at the World Resources Institute. “But this is one area — reducing food waste — where we can make a difference.”

Over the last several years, some cities and counties in the United States, including New York City, have started programs to tackle the issue. Hennepin County, Minn., the state’s most populous county, provides grants from $10,000 to $50,000 to local business and nonprofits to help recycle food products or turn them into compost.

“There is still a lot in the waste stream,” said Paul Kroening, supervising environmentalist at Hennepin County Environmental Services. “We are just scratching the surface.”

A coalition of food industry trade groups, the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, has also increased effort to combat food waste. Meghan Stasz, the director of sustainability for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, a member of the alliance, said the group was working with supermarket chains to reduce waste by clarifying expiration dates and selling smaller portions of food.

Ms. Stasz said the group was also getting its members to donate more food and make changes in manufacturing processes to reduce the amount of wasted food. One member, the giant food company ConAgra, changed the way it placed dough in shell for its pot pies and saved 235 tons of dough in a year.

Mr. Swannell, of the antiwaste group Wrap, applauded those efforts, but said more still needed to be done.

“Awareness of food waste has risen, but we need to do more to tie that awareness to actions on the ground,” he said. “We need to find better ways to deal with food waste, but we need to prevent it in the first place.”

 

SECURR Expands the Popular Flex Series Line, Offering Even More Customizable Options

Securr Flex Series

What do you think about when you think about trash cans? Silly question, right? Trash cans are places to put garbage, recyclables, and other waste – everybody knows that. But did you know that trash cans have the potential to be so much more?

That’s where Securr comes in. Securr is the leading manufacturer of custom waste receptacles and recycling containers in the US. Securr has the ability to custom create and produce trash cans that not only are flexible, durable, attractive and affordable, but can also promote your organization or company and even add a revenue stream. That’s a lot of muscle for just one can!

Now Securr is making it even easier to design and manufacture waste receptacles that will meet and exceed your expectations through the expansion of the Flex Series line of trash cans. This line is so popular that it’s making appearances at some of the nation’s most high-profile venues. Soon an even wider range of receptacles will be available to meet every need. Steve Thompson, Director of Marketing and Sales at Securr, recently shared details about this exciting development.

Q:  It must be rather thrilling to know that the Flex Series line of waste receptacles that were custom-designed and manufactured for Levi’s Stadium will be part of Super Bowl 50, to be held in San Francisco in 2016. What makes these trash cans tough enough to withstand the high traffic and exuberant fans that they’re sure to encounter during one of the most-watched sporting events of the year? 

A:  The Flex Series receptacles are perfect for outdoor stadium environments because of their corrosion resistant materials and finishes. We only use galvaneeled steel, which has the same anti-corrosion properties as hot dip galvanizing and will last for many years in any environment. All other hardware and components are stainless steel or zinc plated. The powder coating is UV resistant and very durable.

Q: I see that the Securr Flex Series currently offers customizable square and rectangular units in both 36-gallon and 50-gallon sizes. Are there plans in the works for any other shapes and sizes for this popular line? 

A:  We will offer the Flex Series models in single, double and triple configurations. Each is fully customizable to the taste of the individual buyer. The decorative hole patterns in the cabinet, the powder coat colors and the top colors are just some of the options that will be available.

Q:  Other teams have taken notice of these durable yet attractive waste bins. The San Jose Earthquakes just ordered a version for their new stadium in Silicon Valley (36-gallon double bin). Why do you think so many organizations have chosen to use and customize this line for their facilities? 

A:  These receptacles are highly customizable. Teams need these options for logos and sponsors alike. We have several options for placing logos and designs on the receptacles: removable vinyl wrapped panels, vinyl decals or digital graphics. Stadiums and arenas have their own color themes and it’s our challenge to match the specified architectural requirements.

Q:  Securr sets itself apart from the competition by both designing and manufacturing trash cans in your facility in Southern California. How does that allow you to innovate and offer higher quality products at lower prices? 

A:  Fortunately for our customers, when you buy from Securr, you buy directly from the manufacturer. We have complete control of the process and more importantly, a direct line to customers to better understand their needs. There is no dealer in the middle, so there is no mark-up and there is never anything lost in translation. Another benefit of working directly with the customers is the feedback that we value so much. Our product lines are in a constant state of improvement. Those suggestions more often than not come from our customer base. We’re very good listeners.

Q:  What is the best way for businesses to get in touch with you to discuss their waste receptacle needs? 

A:  We enjoy talking directly to people and listen carefully to what they say. Many times, we can help them by suggesting certain products based on how they’re going to be used. So, feel free to give us a call anytime at 1-888-671-7066 or explore our website at www.trash-cans.com to see the hundreds of available options.

So there you have it. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect trash can, Securr goes and makes them even better! If you’re in the market for waste receptacles, why not give them a call? Customer Service Representatives are eager to assist you and can be reached Monday through Friday from 6am to 5pm PST.

Three Eco-Friendly Winter Tips for Your Home

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Some of us might be blanketed by mounds of snow right now, keeping us indoors and forgetful of environmentalism, but there are plenty of things you can do this winter to help keep our planet healthy:

Conserve energy by turning down the thermostat a couple degrees in the house and water heater, turning off unused lights and computers, and following other tips below. Not only will this lower your energy bills, but energy production from coal, oil and natural gas is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. In particular:

  • Home Heating: Reduce the house temperature one degree at a time, and wear a sweater or fleece to stay comfy. At night or when you’re away, set your thermostat for lower temperatures. Keep your window drapes closed at night, and close doors to seldom-used rooms until you need them. Caulk windows and doors to keep heat inside and cold air out. Ask your utility company for a home energy audit to find out how to improve your home’s insulation and energy efficiency. Purchase “green energy” when that option is available from your utility company. (Green energy is renewable and sustainable energy.)
  • Hot Water: Insulate your water heater and pipes. Turn the temperature on your water heater down to 120 degrees or install an on-demand water heater. Even better, install a solar water-heater system. Take shorter showers and install low-flow showerheads and faucets. Wash your clothes in cold water unless they are heavily stained, and line dry if possible.
  • Lights & Appliances: The old adage “turn off the light when you leave the room” is still good advice. Install energy-efficient, compact fluorescent lights. They last longer and cost less in electricity. Turn off your computer when not in use for several hours or more. (According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, modern hard disks are not significantly affected by frequent shut-downs as the older models were.) Use your microwave, for one-third of the energy outlay of your conventional oven. Choose energy-efficient appliances (look for the Energy Star label).

In winter cleaning, use the least-hazardous product to do the job; assess your needs and read the labels.  Especially in winter months, your house is closed more airtight. Toxic products can concentrate fumes in the air you breathe and harm your health. Young children can be especially vulnerable to these effects. Water down your drain also carries residues from your home, and many harsh household chemicals are not removed by sewage-treatment or septic systems. These waters later empty to underground water and then into rivers and streams. (Do you know the source of your drinking water and where your household drains go?) Use safer cleaning products such as baking soda and vinegar. Use baking soda to scrub. Vinegar makes good window cleaner (mix 1/4 cup with 1 quart warm water).

Manage your septic tank and have it pumped every 3 years.  Although properly used and maintained septic tanks can be safe and efficient, poorly located or neglected septic systems can pose a serious threat to drinking-water wells, your family’s health, vegetable gardens, or nearby streams and lakes. Inspect your septic tank and have it pumped every 3 years or as necessary. Don’t use septic-tank cleaning compounds or additives, since they can damage the system. Watch for signs of failure (standing water, foul orders, lush growth and backed-up toilets or drains). Install water-saving devices in your house to prolong the life of your septic drain field. Avoid overloading the system by spreading water-intensive chores (like laundry) throughout the week. Limit or avoid the use of garbage disposals; compost your kitchen waste instead (except for animal products, meats, etc.).