The events industry has been focused on waste, whether from the showroom floor, extra swag that won’t be used, or packaging. For good reason, the industry has a bad reputation for waste. Several sources rank it among the top five most wasteful industries.
All eyes are on host organizations to demonstrate their good corporate citizenship, and waste is traditionally easy to see.
Food waste created specifically at and for events is new to the waste game. Today, the focus has narrowed directly to food.
The Definition
What’s true is that the definition of waste as a noun AND a verb has not changed over the last decade.
If we define waste as a verb in the case of food waste…
Waste – Verb “to use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.”
When we waste food, we also waste all the energy and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport, and package it.
Once the food becomes the noun waste…
Waste – Noun “material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or byproducts of something.”
Our goal should be to minimize waste by changing the “unusable remains or byproducts” into products to feed people.
The Facts
Food Waste & Greenhouse Gas
GT CO2E (2011/12) - FAO
If food waste were its own country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, behind China and the United States (FAO)
Food waste accounts for about 21% of US landfill waste
But wasted food isn’t just a social or humanitarian concern; it’s also an environmental one.
If food goes to the landfill and rots, it produces methane—a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide.
If we stopped wasting food, about 6%- 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced in the US alone.
Host organizations have an opportunity to produce less waste and make events more efficient by spending resources wisely. It is much easier and more efficient than diverting the waste (noun) afterward. If energy-efficient buildings are now referred to as “High-Performance Buildings,” shouldn’t “High-Performance Events” follow suit?
The Call to Action
Whether you are using waste as a noun or a verb, the time has come to direct your organization’s attention to the problem. It’s never been easier to gather information, research your options, and set goals. As in all sustainability issues, start where you are, build on each achievement, tell your story, and be proud of becoming a part of the solution! MeetGreen has assembled resources to support your efforts:
Resources
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