Food Waste?? COMPOST!

 

(photo credit:  www.insteading.com)

So today I spent some time reading a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.  You can access the report by clicking here:

http://www.nrdc.org/food/files/wasted-food-IP.pdf

 

The title alone is quite telling. 

Wasted:  How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill

I originally heard about this in a brief media clip on a local news station.  And upon reading the report, I was shocked to find out just how much food is wasted by farming operations, grocery stores and restaurants.  Not to mention over purchasing from a consumer perspective.  But here are some of the facts from the report:

1.       On average, diners leave 17% of meals uneaten and 55%    of these potential leftovers are not taken home.

2.       American families throw out approximately 25% of the food and beverages they buy.

3.       Today, portion sizes can be two to eight times larger than USDA or FDA standard serving sizes.

4.       In 2008, 126 billion pounds of food was lost within the food services industry.

5.       A large tomato packing house reported that in mid-season it can fill a dump truck with 22,000 pounds of discarded tomatoes every forty minutes.

6.       The decomposition of uneaten food accounts for 23% of all methane emission in the United States.

So what does all of this mean?  For starters, it shows that American food supply is such that we can eradicate hunger, but instead we have become wasteful.  It is also a clear indication that we are not managing our waste properly.  It is almost as if we have taken our food for granted.  And not only the food, the resources that it takes to get the food to our favorite restaurant or grocery store.  Transportation costs, water, and labor to harvest crops just to cull based on aesthetic criteria. 

What happened to common sense?  Only preparing what can be eaten?

 Because we live in a world of excess, Americans are so used to having everything within a three block radius.  Looking for the next big super food from a country nearly 3,000 miles away?  Check aisle six.  Looking for fresh seafood from one of the most remote places on earth?  Served nightly at your favorite restaurant with free delivery.  America’s obsession with excess provides a bit more clarity on the epidemic of obesity and other preventable ailments.   Too much is never enough. 

So what is the solution to America’s waste problem?  I’m willing to cast my vote for composting. The report did mention composting as an important way to manage waste.  But with only 3% of all food being composted, more has to be done to make a bigger impact. 

The science of composting is decomposing carbon and nitrogen inputs to create a nutrient-rich additive that can be used as soil or in combination with other organic substances.  If you are not sure what I mean by this, no worries.  I will write a step by step blog (with pictures) on how to compost.  It is really easy and the best part about it is that you can do your part to reduce food waste and contribute to the soil creation movement.  So I’m just wondering, how many of you compost?  And do you eat the leftovers?

Black Health and Wealth Always,

 

Karolyn Oakley
Facebook:  Kurlyn Drums
Team Blackanomics – Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

 

Abolishing Food Oppression

So this week on Black Health, Black Wealth, I will be talking about Food Oppression.  It all started with an article I read about a Canadian couple having to remove a portion of their home garden at the request of city officials. 

 

(The illegal home garden in Drummondville)

Natural News Article:  http://www.naturalnews.com/036709_home_gardens_attacks_self-sufficiency.html

Of course this is not the first time such an event has happened.   But what exactly is going on?

In one word:  Oppression

Oppression is defined as an unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power.

Now bringing the issues of food oppression back on the home front....

It is kind of ironic that what was once a prominent contributor to the wealth of early America is now being threatened by those obligated to maintain and protect citizen's rights.  As far as an explanation goes, there are many reasons why a stronghold is being placed on embracing agriculture.  One heavily emphasized observation is that money will be taken away from an industry that thrives off of convenience.  

No matter the explanation, food security is something that has to be developed in our homes and communities.  However, the sad part is when I talk to my peers about food security and farming.  There is a stigma attached.  A stigma that is focused on Black people going back to slave- related practices.  And the aforementioned statement is not the truth.  Prior to enslavement, our ancestors maintained some of the most advanced agricultural systems known at that time.

 What often happens is that our history is not presented in an empowering manner.  Instead it is offered as yet another example of minority dependency.  What has to change is our manner of thinking.  Food security should not be associated as a slave practice.  Instead, it should be regarded as a method of survival and economic advancement. 

Black Health and Wealth Always,

Karolyn Oakley
Facebook:  Kurlyn Drums
Team Blackanomics - Sirius XM Channel 128 (The Power)