Introduction

So, what exactly do I mean by watching my waste? Well, as eaters in the American food system, many of our choices about food are also choices about waste. Packaged convenience foods and fast food ultimately mean more trash for the landfill. Not to mention all of the perfectly good food we throw away because we bought too much or filled our plates too full. 

As part of my Masters project, I want to understand the personal strategies involved in reducing food-related waste, so that I can see where technology might play a supportive role. So for 30 days, I will try to reduce my food-related waste and examine some of the tradeoffs and implications involved in the decision making. I'm planning to include anything that has to do with food: shopping, eating, and cleaning up after. Here's the basic plan:

1. Use food before it goes bad.

2. Start a compost heap for any food scraps that are compostable.

3. Avoid excess packaging (e.g. individually wrapped items).

4. Avoid packaging that can't be reused, recycled, or composted.

5. Bring my own containers in case of leftovers at restaurants.

6. Bring my own containers to purchase items by weight at the store (have to look into this one to see if the stores allow it.)

Well, that's a start anyway. I know I'll be learning through the whole process. Wish me luck!