IMPACT

Total Annual GHG Emissions by Sector in the United States

1. Food Production and Agriculture:

• Total Emissions: The U.S. agricultural sector contributes approximately 10% of the nation’s total GHG emissions, equating to about 634 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalents annually.

2. Food Waste:

• Total Emissions: Food waste in the U.S. is responsible for approximately 170 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalents annually.

3. Plastic Production and Waste Management:

• Total Emissions: The production and disposal of plastic materials contribute significantly to GHG emissions, with estimates suggesting that plastic waste management in the U.S. accounts for approximately 105 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalents annually.

Total Annual Plastic Waste by Sector in the United States

In 2021, the United States generated an estimated 40.1 to 51 million tons of plastic waste

  • The US generates more plastic waste than any other country per person. 
     
  • The US exports large amounts of plastic waste to other countries, mainly Canada and Mexico. 
     
  • The US doesn’t have the capacity to recycle all of its plastic waste domestically. 
     
  • Plastic use in the US is projected to increase in the coming decades. 

1. Food Production and Packaging:

• Total Plastic Waste: The U.S. generates approximately 14.5 million metric tons of plastic waste annually from food packaging and related materials.

2. Beverage Industry:

• Total Plastic Waste: Plastic bottles and containers from the beverage industry contribute significantly to plastic waste, with estimates around 4 million metric tons annually.

3. Restaurants and Food Services:

• Total Plastic Waste: The restaurant and food service industry in the U.S. generates approximately 2 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, primarily from single-use items and packaging.

Over 99% of plastic resin produced globally is derived from fossil-based feedstocks. This production, including both feedstock and manufacturing energy requirements, represents around 8% of global annual oil and gas use

Challenges & Considerations:

• Impact variability: Reduction would depend on how people adjust their behavior on non-fasting days (e.g., eating more before/after fasting days or shifting to low-impact foods).

• Behavioral adoption: Participation by the entire adult population is unlikely, but even partial adoption would yield substantial benefits.

• Systemic impact: Fasting could also raise awareness about food and waste systems, encouraging broader lifestyle changes.