Dear Recycle Lady,
Why is food waste considered such a big problem today? Curious
Dear Curious,
According to the latest food waste statistics, the world wastes 1.05 billion TONS of food every year, and over one billion meals are thrown away daily. This is more than one meal per day for each person facing hunger worldwide. Besides the food that is wasted, 24% of agricultural water used to grow the food is wasted, and there is an 8 to 10% increase in global greenhouse gas emissions from wasted food in landfills. Households contribute 61% of global food waste, food services contribute 26% of the waste, and retailers such as grocery stores account for 13% of the waste. The US alone wastes 60 million tons annually. Globally, the economic cost of food waste approaches $1 trillion a year, with the US losing $161 billion a year. Despite all this surplus of food, 783 million people are undernourished, and one-third of the global population faces food insecurity. Emerging technologies in food presentation and international collaboration are expected to play a crucial role in addressing this crisis. Potential/Hopeful solutions include programs on consumer awareness, improved storage and transport infrastructure, initiatives in food recovery, and excessive waste penalties. Food waste is a social, ethical and global challenge, not just an environmental or economic issue. It will require households, businesses, and governments all working together to create a sustainable food system.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Several non-profit organizations are sending coins glued to their letters requesting donations. After removing these coins there are globs of glue left on the letter. Must this glue be removed before recycling the letter? Glue or no Glue
Dear Glue or no Glue,
Yes, globs of glue that hold the coins on the letter must be removed before recycling as glue is a contaminate. However, a small amount of glue on paper is ok. Most glue dots can be removed simply by rubbing your thumb over them or they can be cut out. If the glued item is on waxy-feeling paper, it can’t be recycled.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Yesterday I came across the word pre-cycling in a magazine article. What is pre-cycling? Recycler
Dear Recycler,
Pre-recycling is making choices that reduce consumer waste and have the smallest possible impact on the environment. Pre-cycling is about reducing waste or preventing waste before it happens. For example, it is about choosing items that are unpackaged, have less packaging, or have packaging that is recyclable. It is doing simple things, like taking a reusable bottle or bag with you, buying only what you need, or using rags instead of paper towels for cleaning. If you are trying to decide between a plastic, paper, or cardboard container, a paper and cardboard box is the best option. Pre-cycling is using products that last longer and not using disposable or single-use products.
Good News: According to Oceanographic Institution, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is the world’s leading wildlife trade agreement, has granted unprecedented global protection on more than 70 threatened species and placed fishing restrictions on them. This includes a total ban on trade in devil rays, manta, oceanic whitetip sharks and whale sharks. Strict permits will be required for trade in deep-sea species such as gulper, smooth hound, and tone sharks. Many of these species have lost more than 70% of their population due mostly to overfishing and the ban will allow populations to recover. Luke Warwick of the Wildlife Conservation Society calls these new measures “a recognition that sharks and rays are wildlife worth of protection just like elephants or rhinos.”
Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
