Wasted Food, Wasted Planet: Why Food Waste Matters This Earth Day
Wasted Food, Wasted Planet: Why Food Waste Matters This Earth Day
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Every April, Earth Day reminds us to think a little bigger than our everyday routines—to look at the impact we’re making on the planet and ask, “What can I do to help?”
At Midwest Refrigerated Services, we think one of the most powerful places to start is right in your kitchen.
The Big Problem with Food Waste
Did you know that up to 40% of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted each year? That’s over 130 billion pounds of food that ends up in landfills instead of on plates (USDA, 2023).
When food is thrown away, we don’t just lose the food—we lose everything it took to grow, transport, store, and prepare it:
- Water (about 25% of our freshwater use)
- Energy and fuel
- Labor and packaging
- And most importantly, we release methane gas when it decomposes in landfills—a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide (EPA, 2023).
So yes—food waste is a climate issue, and Earth Day is the perfect time to talk about it.
How Food Waste Connects to What We Do
As a cold storage and transportation company, we see firsthand how much care goes into keeping food cold, clean, correct, and on time. From warehouses to trailers, the goal is simple: get food where it needs to be—fresh, safe, and ready to enjoy.
We believe food should be respected—not wasted. That’s why our operations focus on efficiency, safety, and dependability, ensuring products stay in top condition from farm to shelf.
But what happens after the food reaches homes, stores, and restaurants? That’s where we all come in.
Everyday Tips to Reduce Food Waste and Help the Planet
Whether you’re packing a lunch or stocking your fridge, here are 6 simple ways to make a real difference:
1. Plan meals, shop smart
Make a list, check what’s already in your fridge, and avoid buying in bulk unless you’ll use it all. Planning reduces impulse buys and food spoilage.
2. Understand food labels
“Best by” doesn’t mean “bad after.” Most dates are about quality, not safety. Learn the difference to keep good food from going to waste (NRDC, 2023).
3. Store food properly
Keep perishables visible and know what should go in the fridge vs. pantry. Use airtight containers, freeze extras, and rotate items (first in, first out).
4. Get creative with leftovers
Reimagine last night’s dinner into today’s lunch. Soups, stir-fries, wraps, and smoothies are great ways to use up what’s left.
5. Start composting
Even if you can’t eat it, composting keeps food out of landfills and turns waste into nutrient-rich soil. Many cities now offer curbside compost options—or try a home bin.
6. Support food rescue
Donate non-expired pantry items, volunteer at food banks, or use apps like
Too Good To Go or
OLIO to help redistribute food to those who need it.
This Earth Day, Let’s Be Part of the Solution
Reducing food waste isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being mindful—of our food, our resources, and our impact.
At MRS, we believe doing the right thing starts with small actions, whether it’s delivering refrigerated goods across the Midwest or encouraging a little less waste in your kitchen.
This Earth Day, we invite you to take one small step toward reducing food waste. Because when we all pitch in, the results aren’t just good for the planet—they’re good for each other.
Sources:
- USDA, “Food Waste FAQs” – https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste
- EPA, “Sustainable Management of Food” – https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food
- NRDC, “Wasted: How America Is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food” – https://www.nrdc.org/resources/wasted-how-america-losing-40-percent-its-food-farm-fork-landfill
Midwest Values . . . Nationwide Service
