Food waste reduction in hospitals and K-12 schools

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Background

Food waste in Colorado significantly impacts the environment, economy, and communities. Food waste refers to any food not used for its intended purpose. This includes uneaten food and inedible parts of food that are composted, anaerobically digested, landfilled, incinerated, sent down the drain, or not harvested. Approximately 30-40% of all food produced goes uneaten, and approximately 60% of uneaten food is sent to landfills. Reducing food waste can alleviate pressure on landfills and reduce the impact of food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Hospitals and K-12 schools can greatly reduce food sent to landfills since they serve large populations and generate significant food waste. Redirecting surplus food to those in need fosters more resilient and equitable communities. Colorado can advance its commitment to sustainability by conserving valuable resources like water and energy by minimizing food waste.

Environment impact

Food waste has a substantial impact on the environment due to resource waste, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and land use and biodiversity.

Resource waste

Producing food requires significant water, energy, and land use. When food is wasted, these resources are also wasted. For instance, agricultural water use accounts for about 70% of global freshwater consumption. A large portion of agricultural water is used to produce food that is thrown away. Water conservation in Colorado is essential to address water scarcity, support agriculture and population growth, protect ecosystems and recreational activities, build resilience against climate change, and fulfill interstate water agreements.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Food waste that decomposes in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more potent than carbon dioxide. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado is crucial to combat climate change, protect the state's natural ecosystems, improve public health, and ensure a sustainable future for its growing population and economy.

USDA/EPA Food Waste and Methane: What’s the Connection?

Energy consumption

The food supply chain, from production to transportation to storage, consumes vast amounts of energy. Wasting food means wasting energy in all these processes, further contributing to environmental degradation. Reducing energy consumption in Colorado is essential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, lower energy costs, and promote a sustainable and resilient energy future for the state.

Land use and biodiversity

Deforestation is the intentional removal of forests and trees, which leads to biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance. Agriculture is a major cause of deforestation and habitat destruction. When food is wasted the resources used to produce it including cleared forests and disrupted ecosystems are also wasted. Preserving land use and biodiversity in Colorado is essential for maintaining unique ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and protecting natural resources.