Before you throw those leftovers away check this out: about 2,000 tons of food goes to the landfill every year. This is just from Arcata alone. The average family loses an estimated $1,350 each year to food waste.
We can stop food waste before we shop, while shopping and when we get home. Here are some tips on how you can stop food waste and ease the load on our landfills.
Before shopping, plan your meals ahead of time. Make a shopping list to prevent overbuying, repurpose leftovers in new dishes, and use up what you have.
At the store, shop locally so food is at its peak when purchased. Buy less and shop more often to make sure food gets used up while it’s still fresh.
Once at home, keep foods in airtight containers so they keep longer. Store foods appropriately in the kitchen and learn about expiration dates on packaged foods.
You can save even more money by picking up a discounted compost bin for just $20 at Arcata City Hall’s Environmental Services Department, 736 F Street, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bring a City water bill or a rental contract or receipt to prove Arcata residency. Composting can help reduce household garbage and lower water bills by 30 percent when you turn finished compost into your garden soil.
We all can help Arcata achieve a zero waste goal. For more information about reducing food waste or to learn more about other types of waste reduction methods visit Arcata's food and yard waste page. The more you know, the more you can help change the world.