North Austin News

You may not always consider the impact of discarding leftovers or food past its "sell-by" date. However, the collective issue of food waste is significant. In the Austin area alone, approximately 1.24 million pounds of food are discarded daily.

Once in landfills, this wasted food generates methane during decomposition, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gases. Climate experts suggest that food waste in landfills accounts for almost 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Austin Curbside Composting Collection Program aims to mitigate this issue by collecting food scraps, yard trimmings, food-soiled paper, and natural fibers. These are turned into nutrient-rich compost, available to residents as mulch or fertilizer, helping gardens thrive without chemicals.

"By composting and keeping food out of landfills, we can help protect our planet and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our own backyard," according to the program's initiative. Additionally, reducing food waste could lead to financial savings. Annually, over $218 billion is lost due to wasted food in the United States, with a typical family of four potentially saving around $1,500 per year by taking measures to prevent waste.

Austin Resource Recovery encourages locals to adopt practical methods to reduce food waste, which is both cost-effective and beneficial for the environment.

For further insights, they advise visiting How to End Food Waste & Donate Food in Austin | AustinTexas.gov.