New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is proud to support Food Waste Prevention Week 2024, joining more than 600 partners across the country. Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1-7, 2024, is a week-long online campaign to raise awareness and inspire everyone to reduce food waste at home, at work and in our communities.
As part of this week, New Bedford and Dartmouth residents can enter to win a reusable sandwich and snack bag by Stasher. Four New Bedford residents and four Dartmouth residents will be randomly selected. To enter, complete this form https://forms.gle/nZwS3tEtjVqmE2hbA by April 7, 2024, at midnight.
Entrants must provide their name, city/town, email, and phone number so that we may contact the winners. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. When prizes are picked up, each winner will need to show proof of residency. Employees of the City of New Bedford Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, Town of Dartmouth Department of Public Works, and the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District are NOT eligible to enter. The giveaway items are paid for by the Refuse District.
Also, find tips for preventing food waste on the Refuse District’s social media during Food Waste Prevention Week. Visit New Bedford Recycling or Dartmouth Recycling on Facebook, follow New Bedford Recycling on Instagram and Nextdoor or @NBRecycling on Twitter.
Up to thirty-five percent of all food produced goes uneaten. Ending food loss and waste requires purposeful action.
Why does reducing food waste matter?
• Saves money – The average family of four spends $1,500 per year on food that does not get eaten.
• Saves space in our local landfill – It’s estimated that food waste makes up 20% of the trash disposed of at the Crapo Hill landfill.
• Conserves resources – Land, water, energy, and human resources are used to grow, package and transport food.
• Improves food security – Safe and nutritious food that is currently thrown away could help feed hungry people.
Tips for reducing food waste:
• Avoid buying too much food – take inventory, list what you need, stick to the list.
• Learn optimal ways to store foods, like keeping potatoes out of light and away from onions.
• Eat perishable foods like strawberries as soon as possible.
• Follow USDA guidelines for freezing and thawing foods.
• Follow USDA guidelines for refrigerating foods and safely enjoy leftovers!
“The Refuse District is committed to reducing food waste because it makes up approximately 20% of what is disposed in the Crapo Hill landfill and we know there are better options available,” said Anthony Novelli, Executive Director. “We encourage backyard composting by selling discounted compost bins, that are subsidized by the City of New Bedford and the Town of Dartmouth.
Composting helps keep eggshells, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable scraps out of the landfill. We share tips on social media and at presentations about how to reduce food waste. We encourage the donation of edible food to people, and the collection of food scraps for composting or anerobic digestion. We seek out new programs and grants to keep food out of the trash. Every little bit helps and everyone’s daily choices to prevent food waste can make a significant long-term impact.”
The Refuse District joins various agencies and stakeholders throughout the country in a collaborative effort and shared commitment to reduce food loss and waste.
For more information on Food Waste Prevention Week please visit foodwastepreventionweek.com.
For questions about the giveaway, contact the Refuse District by phone at (508) 979-1493 or by email at Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org.”-Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.
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“We are excited to be a partner for Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 -7!🥳 Look for our posts next week with tips on how to waste less food. Food waste makes up around 20%🤯 of the trash disposed at the Crapo Hill landfill.
👉We will also be giving away a reusable sandwich and snack bag by Stasher to 4 New Bedford residents and 4 Dartmouth residents to help prolong the life of their food and make less trash. Look for more information on Monday (4/1).”-New Bedford Recycling.
Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District photo.
