of residential food waste was collected in the United States in 2017
39.6
million wet
tons
was the most commonly wasted food type
in the United States in 2017
Dairy, Fruits and
Vegetables
communities had the highest percentages of food waste in the United States in 2017
Hispanic
and
Latino
Food Waste: A Global Issue
Food waste is not an issue singular to the United States, but it is definitely a key player. The United States had the highest amount of food waste worldwide in 2017, reporting a staggering 200,108.3 million pounds per year (Statista ID: 933083). That means each person in the United States produced over 915 pounds of food waste that year, with 414 pounds at the consumer stage of food supply chain (Statista ID: 826099). As a result, the U.S has invested 218 billion dollars in food lost and wasted (Statista ID: 948395).
Prevention is Key
Awareness of the gravity of food waste in the United States is only the first step. The proper disposal of food is crucial for addressing the environmental and financial consequences it poses. Disposing food in a landfill emits 0.54 metric tons of CO2 emissions per short ton of food. If we lower our individual food waste rates by purchasing food more efficiently (for example: only using what you need), less food will need to be produced to meet the overall consumer demands. This comprehensive act of prevention inhibits 3.66 metric tons of CO2 emissions per short ton of food to be released into the air (Statista ID: 948304).
Why Rice Husks?
Rice is a staple ingredient rooted deeply in Hispanic and Latino culture. It is used in traditional meals that can be consumed up to 3 - 4 times a week. With each harvest of rice, rice husks are produced as a byproduct.
Rice husks are the individual shells or protective covering around each grain of rice that needs to be removed during the milling process. It is currently used as fertilizer, building material, and even fuel. With such versatility and strong cultural significance, this ingredient is crucial for tapping into the emotional connection food has in Hispanic and Latino cultures and breaking down inhibitions related to food waste prevention.
Features
-
Cheap and abundant
-
Agricultural waste
-
Can be grinded into a fine powder
-
Versatile uses
-
Culturally significant in Hispanic and Latino cultures
Why Pine Resin?
Pine resin is solidified pine sap used by trees to heal their wounds. As a result, it has antiseptic and inflammatory properties. It resembles a consistency of molasses at high temperatures and glass at low temperatures. Since it is flexible and water-insoluble, it can be molded into many different shapes. However, due to its sensitivity to heat, the surface of resin remains sticky. Pine resin is currently used for adhesives, varnishes, incense, food, and medicinal purposes. We are currently researching on natural flame retardants and sealants that can help overcome pine resin's sticky surface. One possibility we are looking into is using a non-toxic flame-retardant compound found in marine mussels called polydopamine.
Features
-
Durable
-
Water-insoluble
-
Oil-soluble
-
Malleable at high temperatures
-
Brittle
-
Hardens to a glass-like texture
-
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
-
Unstable due to its sensitivity to heat (surface remains sticky)