Everyone experiences food waste, but the g Problem is much bigger than your kids not cleaning their plate or a few strawberries $ going bad in the fridge. In fact, one-third of 3 2 all food produced globally never gets con- | sumed, according to United Nations Food 2 and Agriculture Organization. More than just the loss of food that could 3 have nourished people around the world, 8 & that waste produces a significant carbon foot- print - an alarming 8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide can be attributed to food waste. This makes food waste a complex problem that not only impacts human well- ness, but the wellness of the planet, too. “To put the impact of food waste into per- spective a bit, if food waste were a country, it would be the third most significant emitter of greenhouse gas emissions globally. That is why tackling food waste is an integral part of addressing climate change;’ said Seth Teply, President and CEO, Tetra Pak, U.S. and Canada. Food waste in the US. in particular is con- cerning and the situation in Canada is similar. Many people won't buy or consume any foods that look less than perfect, including dented packages or blemished produce. ‘Best November 17, 2022 | 22 Real Estate Advertorial ~~, Before’ refers to quality: your food will be at its peak freshness, taste and nutritional value before the best before date if packaging is intact and stored correctly. “When food is wasted, it is important to also consider the many resources, such as labor, transportation, water, etc, that were expended in the supply chain to get the product onto the shelf and into consumers’ homes,’ explained Teply. “So, beyond food, these resources were wasted as well” How to prevent food waste Every effort counts, and you can make a big difference in your own home. Here are some simple ways you can help reduce food waste, so you can feel good about your impact on the planet and might save some money, too. Avoid excess: Plan meals, make shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Understand the impact of your package: Food packaging plays a key role in keeping food safe and preventing spoilage. But, not all packages are created equally. Food and beverage cartons are a great choice because they are recyclable and they are made pri- marily from plant-based materials, which are better for the environment because they can be replenished over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel-based materials. Understand labels: Know how foods are labeled so you can buy smart and avoid mis- understanding. Simple steps to reduce food waste and protect the planet Embrace the ugly: Strange shapes or a few bruises don't change the flavor. When fruit matures, such as spotted bananas, use for baking or smoothies. Store food strategically: Know the right way to store fresh foods to make them last. For shelf staples, move new items to the back of cupboards so ones that expire sooner are up front. Select shelf-stable packaging: Stock up on goods that can be stored in the cupboard, such as Tetra Pak® cartons that use heat treat- ment rather than additives or preservatives to allow for products to stay good on the shelf and safe to consume for long periods of time with no refrigeration required before opening. Love leftovers: Whether at a restaurant or at home, package leftovers to eat another day or to use as an ingredient in another meal. Compost: Rather than throw food away, consider composting. Many communities have programs to help you get started. Share: If you have food that is expiring soon, share it by contacting your local food pantry or even asking friends and neighbours if they can put it to good use. (BPT) “as, nA insidehalton.com FEATURE HOME OF THE WEEK 188 QUEEN ST, SOUTH, HAMILTON $1,199,999 Stunning 3295 Sf Ft home finished on all 4 levels. Beautiful staircase and original wood finishes adds so much charm to this 4 bedroom house that also features a gourmet kitchen, 3 full bathrooms, sunroom & main floor office. You will be impressed with all the updates including windows, boiler, water heater, electrical, water-line and so much more. A beautiful fenced yard with a deck and workshop and front yard parking completes this home. Great location with steps to a school, rec centre, tennis club and a short walk to trendy Hess Village and Locke St. This home is a must to see!! eS Nara) Coveyduck, Sales Representative Royal LePage State Realty 1122 Wilson St West, Ancaster, Ont LIG 3K9 905-648-4451 - office » 905-978-0548 - direct Mm OYAL LEPAGE OTT STATE REALTY