ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A recent study spearheaded by Cherry Digital, a leading communications agency, has unveiled that New Mexico households discard approximately $999 worth of food each year, marking them as some of the nation's most wasteful consumers.
This significant wastage translates to about a quarter (25 percent) of their monthly food going to waste due to being past its expiration date. In comparison, the national average stands at $907.
Amidst the celebrations and excessive food preparations during the winter season, including the likes of Thanksgiving and Christmas, wastage seems to increase. The research aimed to shed light on this very issue, exploring the habits of 3,200 Americans over the past year.
When broken down by states, South Carolinians were identified as the most wasteful, discarding food valued at $1,304.68 annually. On the other end of the spectrum, West Virginians exhibited the least wasteful behavior, tossing only $404.90 worth of their yearly groceries.
The ambiguity surrounding food labeling might be a significant contributing factor. Nearly half (48.9 percent) of those surveyed revealed they would not consume food past its sell-by date, perhaps due to a misunderstanding of its meaning. The sell-by date represents the final day a product should be sold in a store but doesn't necessarily mean it's inedible after that.
The use-by date, a different label, indicates the last day of the product's peak quality. However, a mere one-quarter of respondents were aware of this. Many believed it was the final edible date or the last selling date. Additionally, 21 percent incorrectly assumed it signified the product's optimal flavor and quality, which is actually indicated by the 'best-by' date.
Interestingly, more than half (51.1 percent) of the participants opined that best-before dates on fruits and veggies should be eliminated since it's relatively straightforward to determine their freshness through touch. Among the foods Americans are most likely to discard, dairy products topped the list at 46.6%, followed by meat, fish, vegetables, and bread.
To curb such wasteful practices, Cherry Digital offers a few suggestions:
• Freezing: Food items can be frozen up to their use-by date, preserving their freshness for subsequent consumption.
• Milk Conservation: Instead of discarding, freeze milk in ice cube trays and use them in beverages.
• Preserving Herbs: Extend the shelf life of herbs by placing them in a water glass.
• Smoothies and Ice-Lollies: Blend yogurts nearing expiration with overripe fruits for delicious smoothies or freeze them as treats.
• Breadcrumbs: Convert stale bread into breadcrumbs using a food processor; ideal for various recipes.
• Utilize Everything: Cook with the entire vegetable or fruit, including peels and stems, for added nutrients.
• Donate: Offer items nearing their expiration date to local food kitchens instead of discarding them.
This report aims to inspire households across the nation to adopt a more conscious approach to food consumption, reducing waste, and ensuring that every morsel is utilized to its fullest.
For the full findings and more insights, visit https://www.cherrydigital. co/