What can I do about climate change?

What can one person do about climate change? Part 2: What we (don’t) eat

Rachel McDevitt

Recent Stories

I report on energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

My work focuses on responses and solutions to climate change in the state legislature and communities around the state. I trace my interest in these issues back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.

I look forward to winter just for the chance to ski a few times each season. I try to keep myself from doom-scrolling on my phone by keeping my hands busy knitting and learning to play the piano.

I grew up in Cambria County, Pa. and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF just after Christmas in 2014.

Rachel McDevitt / StateImpact Pennsylvania

August 18, 2023 | 5:00 AM

If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.

A lot of that waste happens in our homes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food were wasted at the retail and consumer levels in 2010. The federal government set a goal to cut the country’s food waste to 50 percent of 2010 levels by the year 2030.

It takes a lot of energy for our food to reach us. When it’s thrown out, it can give off gases that contribute to global warming.

A collection of simple actions can help you prevent waste and save money.