“There’s no such thing as ‘away’ when we throw something away, it must go somewhere else.” – Annie Leonard, Co-Executive Director of Greenpeace
Food is a large source of waste and a strong contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Going zero-waste in this sector is highly impactful.
The Going Zero Waste and Tom’s of Maine websites offer many valuable pointers to go zero waste with respect to food.
Two Northfield resources are especially important with respect to food
- The Just Food Co-op is located at 516 Water St. S. #101 in Northfield. Their product policy largely aligns with zero-waste and sustainability-oriented goals.
- The Northfield Food Map offers an interactive means to explore food options available all throughout the Northfield area.
Refuse
- Consuming fewer animal products is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of your pallet. Harvard Sustainability points out that local is not always better. This is true in some cases, but many great locally-grown goods are available at local grocers. When in doubt, buy local.
- Being attentive to food waste in the cooking/baking process is helpful. Many zero waste recipes can be found online, free of charge. More specific insights can be found on Sustainable America.
- Treehugger also offers ten useful steps to eliminate waste from your food shopping.
Reduce
- Purchasing foods in bulk, assuming that the entirety can eventually be eaten without going bad or getting wasted, can reduce packaging waste.
- Properly storing perishable products can reduce food waste significantly! The Academy of Culinary Nutrition offers a detailed list of how different produce items can be properly kept, to maximize their lifetime in your refrigerator.
Reuse
- Reusing containers, bags, and similar goods can be a simple, economical means of reducing food waste in the kitchen.
- Reusable drinkware has a strong impact compared to single-use alternatives. Multiple local establishments sell these goods—ranging from Tandem Bagels to Target.
Recycle
- Organics recycling/compost is a great way to handle the food waste you cannot eliminate. Northfield Curbside Compost offers a program to Northfield residents, since a municipal program does not currently exist. Sign up for Northfield Curbside Compost.
- Recycling is also an effective measure to handle food waste responsibly. Recycle Minnesota offers a list of recyclables accepted Dick’s Sanitation Inc. (DSI), Northfield’s waste hauler. Reference this DSI pickup schedule to make sure you don’t miss a beat!
Example
Terracycle Zero Waste Boxes recycle waste that cannot otherwise be recycled, such as soft plastics. By collecting this waste and sending it to Terracycle, the opportunity to ensure this waste is not landfilled arises.