Combine these two drafts into an argumentative essay.

First draft:

Food waste is a major global problem affecting the environment, economy, and human well-being. Despite producing plenty of food, a large portion is wasted and ends up in landfills. This waste harms the environment, causes economic losses, and threatens food security. This essay explores the impact of food waste and the need for solutions. We'll look at how food waste starts from farms and factories to how it ends in our homes and landfills. We'll consider different viewpoints, highlighting the complexity of the issue and potential solutions. Our main point is that reducing food waste is essential for a sustainable future, especially with the challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth. By addressing food waste, we can help the environment, boost the economy, and promote social equity. In the following sections, we will examine the causes and effects of food waste, address opposing views, and suggest innovative solutions. This comprehensive look aims to stress the urgency of reducing food waste and inspire action toward a sustainable food system.

Food waste is a massive global issue. About one-third of all food produced, over 1 billion tons, is wasted annually. This waste has severe impacts on health, the economy, and the environment. Food is lost at different stages: pests and weather cause losses at farms; poor infrastructure leads to spoilage after harvest; strict quality standards and poor demand forecasting result in discarded food during distribution; and consumer habits like overbuying contribute to waste at home. Food waste harms the environment because decomposing food in landfills emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Additionally, food waste exacerbates hunger and malnutrition, highlighting the need for more efficient and fair food systems.

Food waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting climate change. About 8%-10% of global emissions are linked to wasted food. These emissions come from food production, transportation, and decomposition. When food rots in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing food waste can cut these emissions and help combat climate change. Solutions include improving farming methods, supply chain efficiency, and changing consumer behavior. Transforming food waste into resources like compost or sustainable energy offers additional benefits. Addressing food waste is a straightforward and effective way to reduce greenhouse gases and tackle climate change.

Food waste has worsened over decades due to consumer habits and technological challenges. Consumers often buy too much food, leading to waste, and lack cooking skills to use ingredients efficiently. Technological issues like inadequate storage and outdated machinery also cause waste. Proper packaging, while beneficial for preserving food, can be environmentally harmful. Thus, sustainable packaging solutions are needed. Addressing food waste requires changing consumer behavior, improving technology, and balancing packaging needs.

Plastic packaging helps preserve food but has environmental drawbacks. It extends the shelf life of perishable items, reducing waste. However, producing and disposing of plastic causes pollution. Balancing food safety with environmental impact is crucial. Strategies like improving recycling, using biodegradable packaging, and developing new solutions can help. Reducing food waste benefits society by improving food security, saving money, and reducing environmental pressure. It is essential to continue exploring ways to minimize food waste and maximize resource use.

Education is key to reducing food waste by teaching proper food handling, storage, and understanding expiration dates. Knowledge about washing hands, separating raw and cooked foods, and cooking at safe temperatures prevents foodborne illnesses and spoilage. Understanding optimal storage conditions extends food shelf life. Clarifying date labels prevents unnecessary waste. Valuing food production efforts can motivate people to reduce waste. Education empowers individuals to make informed choices, promoting a sustainable food system.

Food waste involves many stakeholders, including retailers, consumers, and the food supply chain. Retailers often reject imperfect produce, contributing to waste. Consumers waste food due to overbuying, misunderstanding expiration dates, and poor meal planning. Diseases and natural disasters also disrupt food supply chains, leading to waste. Reducing food waste requires collective effort and targeted strategies across the food supply chain.

Food waste is an ethical, environmental, and economic issue. With millions suffering from hunger, wasting food is morally wrong. Food production uses valuable resources, and wasted food contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, food waste costs over $1 trillion annually, affecting farmers, consumers, and municipalities. Reducing food waste conserves resources, mitigates climate change, and saves money, promoting a sustainable and equitable food system.

Addressing food waste requires collective efforts from individuals, businesses, and global organizations. Technological innovation can reduce waste, but changing attitudes is equally important. Education raises awareness and provides practical tips. Reducing food waste is an opportunity to create a sustainable, efficient, and fair food system. It can mitigate climate change, conserve resources, and ensure food security. By valuing food and making informed choices, we can make a significant impact on a sustainable and equitable world.

Second draft:

Introduction: The issue of food waste has become a significant environmental concern in recent decades. The problem is not only about the wastage of resources but also about the greenhouse gases produced as a result. This essay will argue that reducing food waste requires a dual approach: technological innovation and a change in societal attitudes towards food.

Thesis Statement: The fight against food waste necessitates a comprehensive strategy that combines the power of technology with a shift in societal attitudes towards food, its value, and its consumption.

Body:

Opposition's View: Critics may argue that food waste is an inevitable byproduct of our modern lifestyle, where convenience and abundance often lead to overconsumption and waste. They may also contend that the use of plastic packaging, while contributing to environmental pollution, is necessary to preserve food and reduce waste.

Supporting Argument: However, as Zarask (2021) points out in her article "Fighting Food Waste," a significant amount of food grown ends up wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This waste is not just a result of systemic issues but also individual behaviors such as shopping without a list, lack of cooking skills, and preparing too much food.

Role of Technology: Zarask (2021) further argues that technology can play a crucial role in reducing food waste. Tools that help plan meals, track food consumption, and share excess food can significantly reduce waste. However, she also cautions that technology alone is not the solution.

Changing Attitudes: In addition to technological solutions, Zarask (2021) emphasizes the need for a change in societal attitudes towards food. We need to value food more and understand the environmental implications of wasting it.

Conclusion: In conclusion, reducing food waste is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By leveraging technology and changing societal attitudes towards food, we can make significant strides in reducing food waste and its environmental impact.

References: Zarask, M. (2021). Fighting Food Waste. EBSCOhost.