Food waste in the United States is a major problem with far-reaching consequences that affect us all. Every year, Americans throw away an estimated 40 percent of the food they purchase, resulting in a staggering $218 billion in losses for the food industry. This not only has a huge financial cost, but also a tremendous environmental cost. Food waste contributes to global warming, wastes precious resources, and contributes to the destruction of natural habitats. It is an issue that needs to be addressed both at the individual and collective level if we are to make meaningful progress. Fortunately, there are many simple steps that can be taken to reduce food waste and its associated impacts. From shopping smarter to composting, there are plenty of ways to make a difference and help the environment. A California teen is doing just that – creating a non-profit to help combat food waste. 

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