An occasional run to the store to buy milk, eggs and meat might not be as easy with food prices on the rise. New alternatives, such as Misfits Market, promise to combat food inflation and waste by providing “imperfect products” at lower prices than the average market prices.
Not only have the prices been the highest since 1982, but America ranks among the top three countries with the most waste worldwide regardless of the existing food insecurity. In fact, nearly 40 percent of all food in the United States is wasted, which equals an estimated 130 billion meals that went to the garbage.
Just because of looks, food is often thrown away when it could be safely eaten. According to the Washington Post, “Ugly produce maxes out around 266,000 tons of potential recovery per year.”
Misfits Market is an online subscription plan that ships food to your door for an average of 25% to 40% off a regular market price. Customers are able to customize their orders by selecting their preferred products such as meat, dairy and even bakery items. Though some customers have complained of rotten produce, many love the service.
“I’m still saving money. It’s all organic, and you’re helping rescue produce that would normally just go into the dumpster,” said Maura White, a frugal living expert and blogger in upstate New York.
USF first Florida university converting exercise to energy
USF just started featuring new gym equipment in the initiative to reduce the carbon footprint and give power to buildings and electricity on the Tampa campus. The staff implemented 12 new SportsArt eco-power treadmills, ellipticals and indoor cycles at their fitness center.
Students who use the cardio machines are able to track their contribution with a screen tracker that shows the number of electric fans powered, gasoline saved, carbon dioxide emissions cut and electric bulbs generated.
In 2008, USF’s former president Judy Genshaft signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which obligates the USF-Tampa campus to contribute to the annual greenhouse gas emissions and be part of the Climate Action Plan (CAP). That initiative led to the eco-powered machines, among other improvements.
Credits
Reporters: McKenzie Muskett
Additional videography: Meredith Lamm
Show Editor/Producer: Antonio DeLucca
Anchor: Lauren Siegal
Web editor: Carla Ibanez
