Class, March 3, 2026

By Nate Feldman

*Warm-up.  Do the vocabulary exercise on P.165.

*Speed-read about food waste.

In a time defined by technological advances and agricultural abundance, it may seem paradoxical that hunger and food insecurity persist. Yet one of the most urgent global issues is not food scarcity, but food waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year. This remarkable figure highlights inefficiencies within modern food systems.

Food waste occurs at every stage of the supply chain—from agricultural production and post-harvest storage to processing, retail, and final consumption. In developing countries, losses often result from inadequate infrastructure, limited refrigeration, and insufficient transportation networks. Conversely, in wealthier nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom, waste primarily occurs at the retail and consumer levels. Supermarkets frequently discard products that do not meet aesthetic standards, or do not like particularly nice, while consumers dispose of edible food due to confusion over expiration labels or over-purchasing.

The consequences of food waste extend beyond ethical concerns. Environmentally, discarded food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that if food waste were a country, it would rank among the top emitters of greenhouse gases worldwide. Furthermore, wasting food also means wasting the water, energy, and labor invested in its production.

Economically, food waste leads to massive financial loss. Farmers, retailers, and households forfeit billions of dollars annually. Socially, the moral implications are profound: while millions suffer from malnutrition, vast quantities of edible food are discarded daily.  It seems unjust that there are people who can't eat when there is so much food they could have had that is lying in a landfill somewhere.

Addressing this issue requires coordinated action. Governments can implement clearer food labeling policies and invest in infrastructure improvements. Businesses can adopt more efficient inventory systems and donate surplus food to charities. Individuals, meanwhile, can contribute by planning meals carefully, storing food properly, and embracing imperfect produce. Innovative solutions—such as apps connecting restaurants with consumers to sell surplus meals at reduced prices—also demonstrate how technology can mitigate waste.  People can also make a better habit of storing food they don't eat and having it later.

Ultimately, reducing food waste is not merely a logistical challenge but a cultural one. It demands a shift in attitudes toward consumption, sustainability, and responsibility. By recognizing the hidden costs of discarded food, societies can move toward more equitable and environmentally sound food systems.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the FAO, approximately how much food is wasted globally each year?
A) One-tenth
B) One-quarter
C) One-third
D) One-half

2. In developing countries, food loss mainly occurs because of:
A) Excessive consumer purchasing
B) Strict supermarket standards
C) Inadequate infrastructure and storage
D) High restaurant prices

3. In wealthier countries, most food waste happens at which level?
A) Agricultural production
B) Transportation
C) Exportation
D) Retail and consumer levels

4. Why is methane mentioned in the text?
A) It improves soil quality
B) It is produced when food decomposes in landfills
C) It is used in food preservation
D) It reduces greenhouse gas emissions

5. If food waste were a country, it would:
A) Have the lowest carbon emissions
B) Be economically insignificant
C) Rank among the top greenhouse gas emitters
D) Produce the most renewable energy

6. Which of the following is suggested as an individual solution?
A) Planning meals carefully
B) Buying more discounted products
C) Increasing portion sizes 

D) Avoiding fresh produce 

7. Based on the reading, something potent is:

A) weak or ineffection

B) powerful and strong

C) useless and unnecessary 

D) smart and well-thought out 

*Read about South Korea's food waste program again and do exercises C-D.

*Writing practice with articles:

Exercise 1: Choose the correct article (a, an, the, Ø)

  1. ___ climate change is a serious issue.

  2. She adopted ___ cat from the shelter.

  3. ___ cat is very affectionate.

  4. He wants to become ___ architect.

  5. ___ Amazon River is in South America.

  6. I need ___ advice about my essay.

Exercise 2: Error Correction

Identify and correct the mistake:

  1. The happiness is important in life.

  2. She gave me an useful suggestion.

  3. I visited Louvre when I was in Paris.

  4. The technology is advancing rapidly in general.

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