· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on ABC News or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: A recent study in Science reveals that most U.S. states are struggling to reduce food waste in landfills, with Massachusetts being the only state to succeed
• The state achieved this through a robust composting network, clear regulations, and strict enforcement, while states like California and Rhode Island have faced significant challenges in their efforts
🔭 The context: Food waste accounts for over half of methane emissions from landfills, a potent greenhouse gas
• While laws aimed at diverting food waste exist in multiple states, many have failed due to insufficient infrastructure, enforcement, and public compliance
• The success of Massachusetts highlights the need for comprehensive support systems and penalties to enforce change
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reducing food waste can significantly cut emissions from landfills, a critical step in mitigating climate change
• Effective policies could lower methane emissions and promote sustainability in the food industry
⏭️ What's next: States like California and Rhode Island are reevaluating their food waste strategies, with plans to improve enforcement and public education
• Rhode Island aims to update its solid waste management plan by 2026 to better address these challenges
💬 One quote: “Unless you have the infrastructure and the incentive and a way to enforce compliance, then you’re not really doing anything,” said Weslynne Ashton, an environmental management professor
📈 One stat: Food waste contributes over half the methane emissions from U.S. landfills, according to the EPA.
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