Americans waste more than any other country. Americans rank first in global food waste and average credit card debt. In other words, Americans waste so much food and money. But, why? And what can we do about it? Let’s delve deeper into each of these areas!
Money
Did you know that in total, Americans have over $986 billion in credit card debt? Not only do we spend above our ability to pay back, but often times the spending is on purchases we didn’t really need in the first place. For instance, have you ever paid money for a gym membership you didn’t use or rarely used? Have you ever paid money for a streaming service you only watch once a week? If you feel called out by these last two questions, don’t worry! I’m right here with you! I’ve impulse bought something just because it was on sale.
I recently re-read an article that I had read a while back. Even though the article is over 9 years old to date, the same principles still apply! Americans are blowing their money left and right, myself included, in some of the ways listed. Americans, when are we going to wake up to the lies of the buy more, keep up with the Joneses, more is better culture and start living with contentment? Credit card interest and buying more stuff we don’t need are making us the richest country with the biggest debt problem! It’s not just money we’re wasting, Americans are also the biggest waster of food in the world, a title I’m pretty disgusted by!
Food
Each year, Americans throw away $408 billion of unwanted snacks and meals, which equates to almost 120 billion pounds of food. Yikes! The food waste problem in America is huge! Not only do we waste nearly 40% of all food produced, but it has other, deeper environmental impacts as well.
Food waste contributes to massive water waste as well as to the greenhouse emissions equal to that of 37 million cars. Go read the articles. Seriously, it’s scary stuff. I’ve gotten on my high horse in other articles as well, but we have to be mindful consumers when it comes to food. Not only are we wasting food and making an environmental ripple, but the average American family of four wastes $1,500 per year on wasted food. Or another article I read said over $1,600 is wasted just on discarded produce alone. Talk about a college savings strategy… maybe stop buying food you’re going to throw out!
There is so much more I want to say about this after the research I’ve been doing, but do some research for yourself and maybe you’ll feel as convicted as I do that something has to change!
SIDE NOTE: COFFEE
Before we move on to what we can do, can we talk about coffee for a second? I love coffee. I am a daily indulger. But I read a statistic that had me doing a little number crunching for myself.
People who drink coffee will spend on average over $2,000 a year on coffee.
Read that again!
OVER $2,000 a year on coffee!
Maybe not all of this money is wasted. After all, coffee is delicious! But if you’re one looking for a way to cut back on spending and you’re anywhere near this average, you’ve got some wiggle room!
Last SIDE NOTE: Bottled water
I personally am not a bottled water consumer, so I can’t attest to this one, but did you know Americans spent $31 billion in 2018 on bottled water? I almost don’t even believe this statistic. But I read numerous articles sharing that this was in the ball park. Bottled water is the #1 beverage bought in the United States.
If you’re someone who contributes to bottled water consumption, maybe this is an area in which you can both save money and reduce your environmental impact. At our house, we have a whole home water filtration system along with a filter that is inside our refrigerator. The water in our city already receives awards in our state as being some of the best tasting and highest quality water, but we double filter it none the less. That being said, I am confident the water I drink on a daily basis in my stainless steel bottle of choice keeps me hydrated and satisfied and costs 400x less than store bought bottled water. Please, check your waste in this area!
So what can we do to reduce waste?
So what’s the deal America? What is it going to take to be the change?
I know I personally have contributed to some of these statistics, but after processing and delving into more research, I am determined to change my habits.
What is your why? Why do you buy things? Is it a need or is it because you’re sad, bored, or hormonal? I’m not saying all streaming services, eating out, or Starbucks purchases are bad, but we do need to evaluate our spending according to these four questions:
- Is this needed?
- Is this helping me fulfill my life purpose or making my life better?
- Is this the best deal I can get?
- Will I use this product to it’s full potential/in it’s entirety?
If the answer is “no” to all four or most of the four questions, maybe it’s time to reconsider the purchase.
And next time you’re at the grocery store, think about how many bananas (or avocados – guilty) you’ll actually consume. Meal plan based on what you have already, THEN go to the store for what you need. Use what you have first!
I believe if we all take these things to heart, we can be a small part of changing the statistics. Let’s be a resourceful and stewarding generation instead of wasteful and mindless consumers.
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