In this webinar recording, explore insights on factors influencing food loss and waste, delve into innovative recycling techniques, and explore statewide initiatives targeting household food waste. Experts in postharvest handling, food waste recycling, and community education, share research findings and strategies in three talks.
Talk 1 – An overview of food waste in fruits and vegetables, with Deirdre Holcroft:
Loss and waste of fruits and vegetables can be measured by different factors and varies considerably in different global supply chains. An overview of these factors, the supply chains, and the environmental impact of wasting about 30% of global production is provided. Research on the impact of postharvest handling, use of technologies, changes to market specifications, and date labels will be discussed in context of food waste.
Talk 2 – Exploring means to extract embodied energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions in food waste recycling, with Michael Cohen:
A crucial aspect of achieving the goals outlined in California’s strategy for reducing short-lived climate pollutant emissions (Senate Bill 1383) involves repurposing food genuinely unsuitable for human or animal consumption—commonly known as food waste. Several years before SB 1383 became law, the City of San José and GreenWaste implemented a forward-thinking high solids anaerobic digestion process that converts food waste organics into methane-rich biogas that powers the facility. The remaining solids undergo composting at a state-of-the-art facility in Gilroy, CA. To further minimize greenhouse gas emissions, GreenWaste will be collaborating with UC researchers on a project aimed at increasing air penetration into compost piles through co-composting food waste with biochar, a strategy already proven to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions in agricultural composts. In my talk I will cover the transformative potential of such initiatives in meeting ambitious climate goals.
Talk 3 – The opportunities in statewide programs in reducing household food waste: Results from UC ANR household food practice needs assessment, with Yu Yu Meng:
Households contribute the greatest amount of food waste in the US and consumer education is one strategy needed to divert this waste from landfills. The presenter will share results from UC ANR Household Food Waste Survey project with statewide program educators and volunteers, pilot tested food waste project and curriculum with 4-H youth, and ReFED funded Household Food Waste Study with nutrition program participants. The results show there are many opportunities and needs to engage community education specialists in delivering household food waste reduction education for underserved communities.
This webinar recording is the first part of a two-part webinar series on Sustainable Food Systems Emerging Issues. The series was hosted by the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative Panel.