Food Waste Reduction Calculator
Estimate the environmental and financial impact of reducing your food waste
Estimated annual food waste
Create a Weekly Meal Plan
Plan your meals for the week before shopping to buy only what you need.
Designate a 'Leftovers Night'
Set aside one night a week to use up leftovers before they spoil.
Learn Proper Food Storage
Store fruits, vegetables, and other perishables properly to extend their life.
Use a 'First In, First Out' System
Place newer items at the back of the fridge/pantry and older items at the front.
Understand Food Date Labels
'Best by' and 'use by' dates are about quality, not safety. Many foods are still good after these dates.
Implementation Difficulty
Based on your current habits, reducing your food waste by 50% will be moderately challenging.
This includes groceries, takeout, and restaurant meals.
Food Waste Facts
- The average American family of four throws away approximately $1,600 worth of food each year.
- Food waste is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Producing food that goes uneaten uses 25% of all freshwater consumed in the U.S.
About This Calculator
Food waste has significant environmental and financial impacts. Our Food Waste Reduction Calculator helps you understand the consequences of your household food waste and identify strategies to reduce it:
- Household Details: Size of your household and food budget.
- Current Habits: Your food shopping, storage, and consumption patterns.
- Environmental Impact: CO₂ emissions, water usage, and land use associated with your food waste.
- Financial Impact: Annual cost of wasted food in your household.
- Reduction Strategies: Personalized recommendations based on your current habits.
By quantifying the impact of food waste and providing actionable strategies, our calculator helps you make more sustainable choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter information about your household size, food budget, and current food management habits. Set a reduction goal and the calculator will estimate potential savings and environmental benefits, along with personalized recommendations to achieve your goal.