May 21st, 2008

Disgraceful factoid of the day

“The United Nations estimate(s) that retailers and consumers in America throw away food worth $48 billion each year.”  (Source:  The Economist, 5.17.08)

 

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2 Comments

1. Carolyn S. on June 10, 2008

   I think that’s low. And even if it’s not, factor in the amount of energy and resources needed to produce the food and then the amount needed to dispose of it. Sobering. (Speaking of which, have you ever heard of “ways to use leftover whiskey”? I thought not.)

2. Michael Erwine on July 3, 2008

   But wait…

   Yes we throw out food but lots more food gets wasted earlier in chain in other places. Huge amounts of food rot in fields or in transit in areas with less effective transportation systems and refrigeration.

   In other parts of the world food doesn’t even get to the retailer and final consumer.

   It’s easy to beat up on America. Everybody has waste, it’s often just seen in different places.