Americans' habit of throwing half of food produce deepens poverty, creates havoc on environment

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: People in the United States of America have a habit of throwing almost as much food as they consume.

This practice, which is usually supported by furnishing reasons such as “cult of perfection”, poverty and hunger in fact inflicts a hefty toll on the environment.

As per a report published in the Guardian, huge quantities of food in America is left either in the open fields to rot or fed to livestock.

Reportedly, it is being done due to unrealistic and unyielding cosmetic standards.

“It’s all about blemish-free produce,” Jay Johnson, who ships fresh fruit and vegetables from North Carolina and central Florida, was quoted as saying. “What happens in our business today is that it is either perfect, or it gets rejected. It is perfect to them, or they turn it down. And then you are stuck.”

Although, many farmers, truckers and food academics say that the food is abandoned in the field to cut on the expense and labour involved in the process of harvesting, yet the havoc it creates is immeasurable.

The report further mentions that when it is added to the retail waste, the amount of food lost is nearly close to half of all produce grown.

Without reducing food waste, it is impossible for government to effectively fight climate change, hunger and poverty. Food waste account for nearly 8 % of global climate pollution.

High-value and nutritious food which is being wasted like anything could have been used to feed millions.