Freeganism: How Foraging and Preserving can Curb the Food Waste Crisis

Whether served at home or in a restaurant, a portion of the food on most plates at any given table ends up going to waste. On the small scale, a few pieces of broccoli or some unwanted pizza crusts may seem insignificant, however such items are just a tiny fraction of the larger food waste crisis across the U.S. and around the world. In fact, it is estimated that 30 - 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted every year. Not only is this statistic alarming because, despite the high rate of foodwaste, a staggering 41 million Americans struggle with hunger every year, but also because of the severe impacts that food waste is having on our environment. Most simply, the steps required for food production, ranging from growing to transportation and finally preparation require significant use of resources including water, electricity, and fossil fuels. Between these environmental concerns and the many issues surrounding food waste in landfills, it is clear that the food system is in dire need of alteration.

            While some may argue that much of the food wasted by society is simply not suitable for human consumption, this statement is shockingly far from the truth. A great deal of food waste occurs due to aesthetic requirements. Each year, six billion pounds of fresh produce go to waste, with the majority being due to arbitrary standards for how fruits and vegetables should look. Supermarkets create buying standards based on what consumers are expected to purchase - creating situations where an unusually crooked crook-neck squash or a smaller than average potato can’t even make it as far as the grocery store shelf. Beyond the grocery store, even more food is wasted in home and institutional environments, where it may be discarded due to factors such as personal distaste or simply kept too long, eventually causing it to spoil.

            Every year, the typical American family spends about $2000 on food that ultimately goes to waste. While the monetary cost of food waste isn’t usually known, the majority of Americans, 77% to be exact, feel badly about wasting food. However, the same study revealed that only 58% of Americans believe that food waste negatively impacts and environment and only 42% believe that wasting food results in a significant waste of money. Based on these statistics, it is apparent that a great deal of Americans are merely uninformed about the issues that food waste creates in relation to our society and environment. The outright disconnect between consumeristic actions and consequences provides ideal breeding grounds for problems such as the massive food waste conundrum that has been and still is occurring on a global scale.

The effects of food waste should not be taken lightly. Across the globe, the amount of water used to grow food that goes to waste is equivalent to the annual flow of the Volga River, which is Europe’s largest river. With water shortages around the globe, it is unethical to continue using water to produce such a large magnitude of food that never gets used. In addition to excess water use, over-production of food also harms waterways by causing excess pollution. Fertilizers and pesticides used on crops, in addition to livestock manure, are direct causes of the nutrient pollution, which harms aquatic invertebrates. Out of the many causes of unnecessary water use and pollution, the problem of food waste is one that should be most easily mitigated. Vox Media, an American news and opinion website, goes as far as to label food waste as the “world’s dumbest problem”.

            Considering the many problems associated with food waste, it may seem baffling that we continue to waste food in such large quantities. The Ted Talk Tristram Stuart: The global food waste scandal is one provides some insight into the topic. Stuart utilizes a simple medium, crackers, to represent the world’s food supply. Beginning with a total of nine crackers, Stuart separates crackers to represent how different portions of the food supply are utilized. One cracker represents food that is wasted before it leaves the farm. Three more crackers represent grain that is fed to livestock. Due to the inefficiencies surrounding meat production, two of these crackers are lost in chain of energy. Another two crackers are simply thrown into trash cans, with the four remaining crackers to be consumed by humans. This demonstration brings home the magnitude of the global food waste problem. In a capitalistic society where corporations rule and many people feel too small to create change, the question arises: how can the individual take a stand against food waste?  

This is where the concept of Freeganism comes into play. This lifestyle, which is designed with the purposes of reducing waste to benefit the environment, upholding human rights, and promoting animal welfare, combines veganism with a money-free way of life. One of the main ideals of the Freegan life is waste reclamation. Through both traditional foraging practices as well as urban foraging, commonly known as dumpster diving, freegans strive to put to use the foods and other items that would typically go to waste. Most Americans would scoff at the idea of eating food out of a dumpster, but there are numerous other ways that any individual can embrace parts of the freegan lifestyle in order to spark change in the waste reduction movement.

To many Americans, the term foraging is likely associated with pre-civilized hunter-gatherers, perhaps cavemen. News flash: even in 2018, foraging still remains a viable method for obtaining food. Modern-day foraging doesn’t have to mean venturing deep into the woods in search of wild berries, either. In many urban and suburban environments, fruit trees can be found in abundance on public property, and often the fruit from these trees simply falls to the ground and goes unused. During summer months, it is easy to replace store-bought berries with blackberries that can be found nearby just about any creek or pond. Local groups on websites such as Freecycle can also be used to bring together like-minded individuals who want to share abundance. Whether posting in search of free fruit or offering a plethora of ripe tomatoes, ready to be picked from the vine, websites such as Freecycle provide truly invaluable opportunities for waste reduction.

While prioritizing the use of local food that is in season is a good start, other steps must be taken in order to more efficiently reduce waste. One such practice is food preservation. Associations with this term may be something along the lines of pioneers storing up food for long, snowed-in winters. Most Americans wouldn’t consider that food preservation is also one step that can be taken toward mitigating the food waste crisis. In order for the described waste reduction methods to recognized as viable options by the greater population, education on the topic of food waste must occur. By bringing attention to the many problems associated food waste, the problem can be curbed before its environmental and social impacts cause even more detriment. By encouraging others to take on some of the practices of Freeganism, and making efforts to prevent waste through food preservation, steps can be taken in the right direction. Although it will take a few years of hard work and determination before a significant decrease in waste will be seen, the combined efforts of many families and individuals have the potential to create great change in the global food waste crisis.

Dana Baughman 

1,235 words