Comments on: Book Review: An American Wasteland

By: Leftovers, Judgment and Credibility

Leftovers, Judgment and Credibility — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:54:08 +0000

[...] are always two sides to a question. The maxim, “When in doubt, throw it out” leads to excessive food waste and creates many ecological problems. Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean [...]

By: Hannah

Hannah — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:08:31 +0000

cfy–thanks for the feedback.

By: cfy

cfy — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:51:54 +0000

I just started reading this book and am very taken by it. It’s not some extreme environmental screed but very thought-provoking, and a pretty easy read too.

By: Hannah

Hannah — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Chana, thanks for sharing that, good for your mother-in-law! Too bad the food isn’t always so great. . .

By: Channa

Channa — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:55:01 +0000

my mil is is a school lunch lady (and the mother of 10!) who cannot stand to see food thrown out-she is always packaging up leftovers that can’t be reused so teachers and administrators can take it home-if there is still food left after that she has a list of “customers” she calls to pass it off to. We have eaten beefaroni and fish sticks more often then I would like.

By: Abbi

Abbi — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:59:18 +0000

I remember visiting friends in England for the first time when I was in college and being blown away by how small their fridges were. One friends family had a fridge slightly larger than a hotel sized fridge and they stored all their produce outside, in bins, to be finished quickly.

By: Rivki

Rivki — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:42:32 +0000

I am guilty of neglected vegetables in the crisper. Poor, poor celery. However, we are usually pretty good about not having too much extra food around. You have inspired me to work harder at it. Thanks!

By: Dena Lerner

Dena Lerner — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:20:25 +0000

Thanks for the article, food waste is an issue that I face all the time and recently have been forcing myself to change. My rule mow is that I finish everything in my fridge before going shopping (cupboards is a different story). It makes me eat all the stuff I already paid for, and I find myself being very creative.

And I very much agree with your point, have stocks of food does not equal waste. I still remember my grandmother poaching and freezing peaches at the height of the season to use on a rainy day. As long as the food gets eaten having basic items around is a benefit for cooks.

There is one argument I have and that is with having to finish food on plates. As a mother who is fighting obesity, diabetes and numerous other ailments in the family, I encourage my children to only eat until they are full. I give small portions, and seconds but do not require clean plates.

By: Ilana-Davita

Ilana-Davita — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:38:16 +0000

What a waste! Having been brought uo in a family where throwing out food was not an option, this seems crazy to me.
It would be a lie to say that I never throw out food but I certainly try not to.
Thank you for the book review.