Today's food system is definitely back-side forward in so many ways; this week we look at food waste. A lot of research is being done worldwide to determine how much food makes it from farm fields to the table, and then how much more we as consumers discard from our kitchens or restaurant tables.  

It's the 21st Century and one would think that by now human beings would have figured out creative and efficient ways to produce sufficient healthy and nutritious food to feed us all and to eliminate costly and destructive food waste.

It turns out that we not only haven't figured it out; the whole process is getting more and more problematic and the amount of food waste - at least in the United States and other developed countries - is actually increasing.

As much as 50% of the edible food grown and processed in the United States is lost, discarded, or "wasted" from the farm to the fork. And more than a quarter of those food products are discarded after they are purchased in retail stores or restaurants.

Read more about how food waste is handled and what you can do to reduce food waste in Food Waste in the 21st Century.

Digging deeper into the problem of food waste has inspired me to spend some time weighing and cataloging our food waste. Yes, we have compost bins, but we still have food waste.  

Join us as we determine how much we are really tossing out and whether it is edible or not. We hope to come up with some creative ways to avoid discarding so much. Now if you have any practical ideas about how to use banana peels, we'd sure be happy to hear them!  

Here are three books that will fill you in on food waste in America and what we're doing about it and four more that provide insight into composting: its value and how to make and use it. 

Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal by Tristram Stuart

With shortages, volatile prices and nearly one billion people hungry, the world has a food problem - or thinks it does. Farmers, manufacturers, supermarkets and consumers in North America and Europe discard up to half of their food - enough to feed all the world's hungry at least three times over.   

American Wasteland by Jonathan Bloom

American Wasteland is a journey through our food chain that raises questions about how our approach to eating has changed so much and what it means. The book introduces myriad characters and tells the story of American food waste through their lives.

Designing America's Waste Landscapes by Mira Engler

One of the most visible consequences of our society's breakneck level of production and consumption is the increasing amount of land designated as landfill and other waste disposal and processing sites. Often located in marginal areas or adjacent to politically and economically dispossessed communities, these places are usually ignored by mainstream society, as is the garbage that fills them. Even with the greater awareness of the problems of waste disposal inspired by recycling programs and anti-littering ads, we would much rather take the garbage out than think about where its going.

Holy Shit: Managing Manure To Save Mankind by Gene Logsdon

In his insightful new book, Holy Shit: Managing Manure To Save Mankind, contrary farmer Gene Logsdon provides the inside story of manure - our greatest, yet most misunderstood, natural resource. Gene Logsdon does not mince words. This fresh, fascinating, and entertaining look at an earthy, but absolutely crucial, subject, is a small gem and is destined to become a classic of our agricultural literature.

The Soul of Soil  by Joe Smillie and Grace Gershuny

All of us involved in the cultivation of plants-from the backyard gardener to the largest farmer-need to help regenerate a "living soil," for only in the diversity of the soil and its creatures can we ensure the long-term health of ourselves and our environment. The Soul of Soil offers everyone a basic understanding of what soil is and what we can do to improve our own patch of it. Seen in this light, this practical handbook will be an inspiration as well.

Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels, Wayne Lewis, and Elaine Ingham

Lowenfels and Lewis describe the activities of the organisms that make up the soil food web and explain how to cultivate the life of the soil. This text offers an accessible guide for gardeners who want to grow healthy, vigorous plants without resorting to chemicals.

The Post Carbon Reader by Richard Heinberg and Daniel Lerch

How do population, water, energy, food, and climate issues impact one another? What can we do to address one problem without making the others worse? The Post Carbon Reader features essays by some of the world's most provocative thinkers on the key issues shaping our new century, from renewable energy and urban agriculture to social justice and community resilience.

There are more books on GoodFood World and more coming every week. Read, learn, and enjoy!

Will farmers continue to be displaced? Will biodiversity continue to disappear? Will 5 companies continue to control seeds through patents and another 5 continue to control trade through free trade treaties? Will hunger and malnutrition continue to grow and the quality of food continue to decline?

Or will the future of food be based on biodiversity, small farms and gardens everywhere, producing more and better food, while rejuvenating the soil and biodiversity?

Dr. Shiva gives us hope! There are more audios and videos on GoodFood World and more coming every week.