Every day, homes and restaurants throw away food. This food waste may include vegetable skins, old bread, and meals that people do not finish. If it goes into a regular trash bin, it often travels to a landfill. There, it can stay for a long time and make a bad smell.
Some communities collect food waste separately. People put it in a special bin, and a truck takes it to a compost site. At the site, natural materials break down slowly. The finished compost can help plants and gardens grow.
Other food may go to an animal farm. Some farms use safe food leftovers to feed animals, but the food must be checked first. Food that is still good can also be given to people who need it. This helps families and keeps useful food from becoming trash.
We can reduce food waste at home. We can plan meals, buy only what we need, and store food in the right place. We can also eat leftovers for another meal. These small steps save money and help protect the land and water we all use.