The western world tends to waste a lot of food generally and at this time of the year, the problem is even worse. 

While the wasting food is such a terrible shame given the number of people starving around the world, the issue has a big impact on the environment too.

Researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases have reported that US per capita food waste has jumped by around 50% since 1974 to reach more than 1400 calories per person per day - that's 150 trillion calories per year. 

Earlier research from the Stockholm International Water Institute put global food losses and wastage anywhere up to 50 percent between field and fork

When you consider that the average caloric requirements for women in the United States to maintain a healthy weight is 2000-2100 calories per day and the average for men is 2700-2900 per day; it would be safe to say that food waste of two people in the USA is more than enough to sustain one other person.

According to the researchers, food waste is now estimated to account for more than a quarter of the total US fresh water consumption and more than 300 million barrels of oil per year. Food waste represents a staggering 4% of the total US oil consumption. 

Additionally, all this rotting food emits methane gas and carbon dioxide, powerful greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

This is something that most of us can play a role in addressing as part of our green efforts. Pick up some tips for reducing food waste in your own home. You'll not only lighten your environmental impact, but you'll save money too!