China’s Food Waste May be Curbed Thanks to Social Media

china food waste

CURATED BY NIKI DE WITT

For some cultures, ordering in excess is the acceptable custom to show hospitality. Each year, China throws out $32 billion in food, much of it attributed to over-ordering when dining out. Thanks to a social media campaign that went viral on Weibo (China’s version of Twitter), a new anti-food waste initiative has taken off.

FROM FAST COMPANY

Americans waste a lot of food, and the problem is only getting worse. The country tosses 40% of all food produced into the trash, according to the National Institute of Health. The top material sent to landfills in the country: food scraps. So the stereotype of Americans as wasteful and gluttonous has more than a ring of truth. But we’re not alone.

In China, $32 billion worth of food is thrown away each year (compared to $180 billion worth of food in the U.S, which is admittedly much worse). The problem, however, is a little bit different in China. …Continue Reading

Niki De Witt headshot 150x150 In Zambia, Bikes and Zambulances Made From Bamboo are Improving Life for LocalsABOUT THE CURATOR

Niki is currently exploring Asia while working on a children’s book series about travel. As a child, she traveled and moved often for her parents’ jobs. As a result of this, she has always felt most at home when she’s off and away. She is interested in international films, working on building an impressive tea collection, and can often be found with her camera in hand. You can have a look-see at her blog and follow her on Twitter @nikidding.

Photo by autonome

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