Author Archives: Jonathan

Sensing Freshness

Can “electronic sensor circuits” reduce food waste by judging food freshness (through measuring acidity levels) more accurately than expiration dates? Yes. But… -But that’s not saying much, as expiration dates aren’t all that accurate. -But so could your own sensors–of smell, sight and taste. -But these food sensors are currently too expensive for mainstream adoption. -But, the […]

March 18, 2013 | Posted in Food Safety, Supermarket, Technology | Comments closed

Friday Buffet

Huge news from Ireland: Starting in 2016, it will be illegal to put home food waste into the trash. That means all Irish households will separate food waste from the regular waste stream, which will be a boon for composting and anaerobic digestion. — — China’s Operation Empty Plate is the humble campaign that lit a food-waste-reducing fire […]

March 15, 2013 | Posted in General | Comments closed

Food Packaging: Lesser of Two Evils

With food packaging, you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Too much, and you’re using unnecessary materials. Too little and you’re risking damaged food in transit and elsewhere. I suppose the ideal is going uber-local and bringing your own reusable containers like at Austin’s in.gredients (check out their incredible 6-month sustainability numbers). But until that sweeps […]

March 13, 2013 | Posted in Energy, Environment, International, Storage | Comments closed

Oddities: Orange Italy

As you might guess, I’m a fan of odd-shaped produce. I’m drawn to ugly fruits and veggies that have more character than perfection. I like to give them a home, because too often they end up being wasted. Besides, it’s taste, not appearance, that matters most. I usually end up with these items at the farmers’ market […]

March 11, 2013 | Posted in Alphabet Produce, Household, Supermarket | Comments closed

Friday Buffet

During a recent panel on food waste, the California Board of Food and Agriculture announced a goal to double the amount of produce donated to the California Association of Food Banks’ Farm to Family program by 2015. That’s exciting because it will mean more nutritious foods going to those in need. And wasted food takes on added significance in California, given […]

March 8, 2013 | Posted in College, Farm, Food Recovery, International, Leftovers | Comments closed

Hunger’s Place in the National Consciousness

Arriving just in time to raise the profile of hunger in America, the documentary A Place At the Table is now out in theaters and, in some cable systems, on demand. Please see it! In addition to the film, it’s a campaign. The main site for A Place at the Table links to a related book, news […]

March 7, 2013 | Posted in Hunger | Comments closed

Harvesting Hope

There are many valiant gleaning initiatives in the U.S., but I haven’t seen any that also count integrating refugees into American life as part of their mission. Except, that is, the Iskashitaa Refugee Network. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit with the Tucson, Ariz., operation and was impressed with their range of programs […]

March 5, 2013 | Posted in Food Recovery, Tree Gleaning | Comments closed

Want Something Wonky?

This week we learned that more than 80 percent of Britons are willing to buy produce of imperfect shape or color. At least that’s what they said when asked that in a poll conducted by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Note–they weren’t asked about fruits and vegetables with blemishes or bruises, but just the so-called “ugly” fruits […]

February 28, 2013 | Posted in International, Supermarket | Comments closed

China Hates Waste?

It’s never a bad thing when the world’s most populous country turns its gaze to food waste. And China is doing just that, thanks to Xi Jinping, the new Communist Party chief and the presumed next President. Xi prompted this newfound attention with a few words in response to an article on China’s rampant food waste. As […]

February 22, 2013 | Posted in History and Culture, International | Comments closed

Fine with a Fine?

In American Wasteland, I wrote about a buffet in London that charges a fee for food left uneaten and donates the proceeds to Oxfam. This editorial advocating that buffet restaurants fine patrons for uneaten food caught my eye. The idea stemmed from a seafood restaurant in Sapporo that is pretty particular about how customers eat […]

February 20, 2013 | Posted in Restaurant, Unfinished Food Charge | Comments closed