Reducing Food Waste: Small Changes Make a Big Environmental Impact
The Problem With Food Waste
Did you know that, globally, about one-third of food produced is wasted? That’s around 1.8 billion tons each year. Food waste has both social and environmental impacts. While that food is discarded, over 800 million people go hungry daily. The food industry is also responsible for about 25% of greenhouse gas emissions, from production to transportation, and allowing uneaten food to rot further adds to the burden. Agriculture also drives deforestation, and discarded food in landfills contributes about 58% of methane emissions. Reducing food waste could significantly cut carbon emissions and help ease global hunger.
What Can You Do at Home?
The good news is that, as individuals, we can make a difference! Here are a few ways to reduce food waste:
1. Try composting: Collect food scraps from meal prep or leftovers to make nutrient-rich soil. You can compost yourself or join a local group that collects food scraps.
2. Plan your shopping trips: Make a list and stick to it. Remember, produce sales are helpful only if you’ll use the items before they spoil.
3. Store food properly: Use your fridge's humidity drawer for leafy greens and veggies that wilt easily, and use the freezer to preserve leftovers.
How Road Scholar Is Reducing Food Waste
Travel often creates more food waste than eating at home. With hotel buffets, snacks and large meals, it’s easy to waste. Road Scholar’s new sustainability initiative prioritizes restaurants and hotels that manage food waste, like adjusting portion sizes, composting and sharing leftovers with those in need. Throughout 2025, we’re learning more about how partners handle food waste and how we can support these efforts.
While we work to reduce food waste on our programs, here are some tips for travelers:
1. Check your fridge before leaving: Donate or freeze perishables to avoid waste.
2. Pack long-lasting snacks: Dehydrated fruit or protein-rich nuts travel well and reduce spoilage.
3. Give feedback: If you notice food waste on a Road Scholar program, let your Group Leader know so we can improve!
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Every small effort helps, and together we can make a meaningful difference.
How do you work to reduce food waste in your life? Join the conversation on Facebook.