Article contributed by Mike Berman, COO, Day & Nite/All Service
When we think about food waste, the natural tendency is to focus solely on the fact over 1/3rd of all available food goes uneaten, devastating impact on food security and the accompanying crippling economic impact. However, the more inclusive and essential view takes into account that methane gas resulting from food waste is estimated nearly 90 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.
Even before wasted food rots in landfills pumping out corrosive methane, the almost incalculable squandered energy and water needed to grow, package and ship food takes a further toll on the environment. Hard to believe for those of us enduring Tropical Storm Henri, but a substantial portion of the nation is experiencing unprecedented water shortages. As many as 10 major food producing states depending on the nearly 1,500 mile Colorado River and related waterways are already in crisis with very little to no relief on the terribly dry horizon.
The inaugural Total Food Service /Day & Nite Family of Companies October 12 Hospitality Sustainability and Food Waste Summit opens with an expert Localizing Global Sustainability panel culminating in a similarly expert panel on the topic of effective strategies and tactics every foodservice professionals can incorporate to solve the massive food waste problem. Food waste realities and best practices panel will be moderated by Dr. Hiren Bhavsar, Agribusiness Professor at the State University of New York-Canton.
Designed as a highly interactive event, attendees are encouraged to submit their best ideas and practices for dramatically reducing food waste’s numerous devastating effects.
Additionally, and certainly no less important, an already large and fast-growing roster of qualified sustainability-oriented businesses are offering special summit deals for all attendees. As much as the 9 AM thru noon EDT October 12, 2021 Hospitality Sustainability and Food Waste Summit is intended to be educational, its mission is practical—giving the entire industry necessary cost-effective tools for taking much needed action against the biggest threat facing our planet today. To register for the event or to have your company’s services and products featured at the inaugural Hospitality Sustainability and Food Waste Summit email tfs@totalfood.com or jbf@wearetheone.com
