The U.S. wastes over 30% of all food produced, costing billions and fueling methane emissions from landfills. In response, the USDA, EPA, and FDA recently launched a long-overdue plan: the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics. Its intent is to cut food waste by 50% by 2030.
This strategy focuses on four key goals:
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Preventing food loss in agriculture and supply chains
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Reducing food waste at retail and consumer levels
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Increasing recycling of organic waste through composting and food rescue
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Supporting policies that drive local and national change
Food waste isn't just an environmental issue, it’s a climate and hunger crisis. With 44 million Americans facing food insecurity, reducing waste could help bridge the gap between surplus and scarcity.
At Diamond Scientific, we’re particularly excited about new technologies that align with our mission. Innovations like biotech coatings that extend shelf life, gas monitoring for optimal storage, and the EPA's methane emissions calculator are transforming how we measure and reduce food-related emissions.
A key element of the plan is consumer education. Many households toss out safe, edible food due to confusion over date labels. Clarifying “best by” versus “use by” could significantly cut the 40-50% of food waste coming from homes. Tools like the USDA’s FoodKeeper app and behavior-shifting campaigns will help consumers make smarter, more sustainable choices.
The strategy also champions composting infrastructure. This is vital when 60% of food waste still ends up in landfills and only 5% is composted. The EPA’s initiatives to support composting networks, alongside grants and peer networks, are paving the way for circular food systems that nourish both communities and the soil.
As environmental and climate advocates, we applaud this united federal approach and we’re ready to support food waste solutions that reduce emissions, feed communities, and foster sustainability from the ground up.
Interested in learning more about how Diamond Scientific supports sustainable innovation? Contact us at info@diamondsci.com
