America has a bad habit. About 40% of food purchased ends up in the trash each year, but in some cities, they have found a way to turn this waste into energy. As food decomposes, it release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that’s fueling climate change. What cities are doing is diverting that food waste from the landfill to wastewater treatment plants where it can be converted into fertilizer products and biogas that can power the treatment plants. Most food waste comes through in-sink disposal systems, so in Philadelphia, they are funneling that waste directly to the waste resource recover facility, which is saving the city about $3 million a year in trucking costs. Converting waste into energy certainly is a good way to make something out of nothing, but it will take a lot more on the consumer side to successfully curb food waste.
Turning Americans’ bad food waste habit into renewable energy
More of Today's Solutions
How the Environment Leaders Programme cultivates climate action in schools
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The climate crisis can feel like an overwhelming storm—literally and figuratively, but young people across the UK are ...
Read MoreHoliday survival 101: how to navigate awkward social moments with style
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays are a season of joy, togetherness, and—let’s be honest—a healthy dose of awkwardness. Whether it’s your ...
Read MoreSan Francisco police won’t send officers to respond to non-criminal calls
Cities across the US are finally seeing some tangible police reform and defunding changes. San Francisco is joining the movement with their recent announcement ...
Read MoreIt’s kitten season! How to help overwhelmed shelters manage the influx of kit...
Kitten season has arrived, bringing with it an irresistible wave of feline cuteness. However, behind the scenes, animal rescues and shelters are dealing with ...
Read More
