Source: World Wildlife Fund
In response to today’s introduction of the Food Date Labeling Act by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from Pete Pearson, senior director, food loss and waste:
“In the US, it’s estimated that 30-40 percent of our food supply is lost or wasted. At the same time, the footprint of agriculture continues to expand, threatening the last remaining biodiverse regions on our planet; places like the native grasslands of the Northern Great Plains.
“When we waste food, we waste the land, water, and energy used to produce it. We also generate significant methane emissions as this food decomposes in landfills. We need to conserve our vital resources to ensure future generations inherit a planet where food production and consumption exist in balance with nature. In this context, preventing food waste represents a critical act of conservation.
“The Food Date Labeling Act along with nationwide consumer education will help ensure more food reaches people who need it, heighten consumer awareness on food waste, and help us all navigate confusing expiration dates so that we can all waste less and save more. This is a win-win for consumers and the environment.”
