Approximately 30 to 40 percent of the United States’ food supply is thrown away each year. That’s a major drain in resources from the start and most of that food waste ends up in a landfill, where it emits harmful methane gas as it decomposes.

It’s vital that we all do our part to reduce food waste. Here are just a few examples of how to do it:

Imperfect Produce: Instead of tossing crooked carrots and misshapen potatoes into the trash, Imperfect Produce cuts down on food waste by recovering fruits and veggies and then selling them in a CSA-style model. Consumers get produce at 30 to 50 percent off in-store prices, farmers still make money off their goods, and the program saves food and water.

Spain’s Solidarity Fridge: Not every gesture needs to be a grand one. In the Basque town of Galdakao, residents put in place a simple but highly effective system to reduce food waste. The “Solidarity Fridge” is a community refrigerator where anyone can deposit or help themselves to food. Uneaten goods stay out of the dumpster and the hungry have something to eat.

The Green Heart: Ever feel like your grocery haul goes bad before you can even break into the produce drawer? Check out The Green Heart. The small plastic case contains a pouch of potassium permanganate crystals that neutralize ethylene gas as it’s emitted from ripening fruits and vegetables. By controlling the gas, the tiny device keeps perishables fresh longer.

Anaerobic Digestion: At Renergy, we work with food manufacturers to divert their food waste from landfills and repurpose it into energy through anaerobic digestion.