EPA administrator Michael Regan announced a U.S. plan to reduce food waste and food loss at the UN climate summit, saying the issue “is one of the most impactful actions we can take to reduce climate pollution and build a circular economy.” One-third of all available food goes uneaten, according to the USDA.
The draft strategy calls for reducing food loss and waste where possible, increasing the recycling rate of organic waste and adopting policies that support those goals. And it highlights actions the EPA, USDA, and FDA could take. For example, the EPA could expand the market for products made from recycled organic waste, and the USDA could fund research on packaging technology to extend the shelf life of foods.
A 30-day public comment period on the draft strategy opens Tuesday.