While life continues to slowly emerge from the pandemic bubble, there are lingering issues continuing to challenge us in 2022. Rising food prices, continued supply chain woes, high inflation, worker shortages, and the obvious climate crisis aren’t going to disappear anytime soon.
In a 2022 trends feature for Forbes, Shayna Harris explores some creative solutions to problems like zero food waste. While past efforts have struggled to take off on a large scale, new legislation in California will hopefully promote widespread zero waste changes. Late in 2021, the LA Times focused on “composting as the next climate crusade.” With methane emissions from landfill being a significant contributor to climate change, new legislation requires Californian businesses and individuals to separate organic material from their trash and those who don’t comply can face fines.
The organic material can include unused food, coffee grounds, egg shells, banana peels and other leftovers as well as garden trimmings, lawn clippings and leaves that can be separated into a green waste container. These materials will be diverted from traditional landfills to facilities that will turn the biological mishmash into products such as compost, mulch and natural gas. If these efforts are successful in California, hopefully we will see more cities and states implementing composting measures to reach zero waste goals.
Harris also predicts a continued increase in shoppers who want to know where their food comes from, which links right in with rising food prices and supply chain shortages. In fact, buying local continues to become more attractive and more economical. In fact, subscription to farm shares for produce and meat saw record levels of growth in 2020 and 2021.
Curious about what else 2022 may have in store? Read more about Harris’ take on food technology and sustainability — such as a shift away from plant based to whole plant food solutions and changes to compostable packaging.