One-third of all food produced in the world ends up as waste. In this new report, the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) estimates the value of global consumer food waste at more than US$400 billion per year, and as the global middle class expands, that number could rise to US$600 billion in the next fifteen years. By 2030, a 20-50 percent reduction in consumer food waste could save an estimated US$120-300 billion per year. Strategies to Achieve Economic and Environmental Gains by Reducing Food Waste highlights how practical changes in all countries, such as decreasing the average temperatures of refrigerators or designing better packaging, can make a significant difference in preventing food from spoiling.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts provides assistance to businesses and institutions that want to reduce food waste or begin food waste diversion programs. To learn more about food waste diversion, contact RecyclingWorks by email or by calling (888) 254-5525.