**Question:**

Revise your draft using the provided feedback. While you don't need to rewrite the entire essay, explain how you'll incorporate the feedback to improve it.

**Feedback:**

1. Use the Toulmin modelclaim/support/warrant/backingin each body paragraph to support your thesis. Identify and make explicit any assumptions you're making. 2. Develop a rebuttal that describes the opposition's view, their support for their view, and your counterclaim and support for your counterclaim in response. 3. Identify your audience: Who are you trying to convince, and who can bring about change regarding this issue? 4. Include the two texts from Academic Search Complete as required by the assignment. 5. Revise for MLA format: Ensure the body of the essay is aligned to the left margin and refer to this week's module for the Works Cited page format. 6. Add more details and examples in the next draft. Consider new technologies for preserving food, the perspective of those not yet "up to speed" with current changes, and the status and adequacy of existing policies on food waste.

**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, drawing on the insights of Mara Zarask in her article, "Fighting Food Waste". We'll look at how food waste starts from farms and factories to how it ends in our homes and landfills. The 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. According to "The State of Food and Agriculture 2019" by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, 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. Zarask argues that wasting food not only causes lots of greenhouse gases but also shows how much we buy things unnecessarily. This emphasizes how important it is to tackle food waste, as it directly contributes to the climate crisis. Food waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting climate change. Another report from FAO states that 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.

Zarask discusses several causes of food waste, such as shopping without a list, lack of cooking skills, and preparing too much food. These highlight that food waste isn't just a big problem with how things are set up, but also with how we behave, suggesting that individual actions can really make a big difference in how big the problem is. Additionally, she provides solutions to reduce food waste, such as spreading awareness, sharing food, and using technology. These solutions back up the idea that we can reduce food waste by working together and coming up with new ways of doing things. Zarask emphasizes the role of technology in reducing food waste, stating, "Technology can help reduce food waste by providing us with tools to better plan our meals, track our food consumption, and share excess food with others." (Zarask, 2021) This claim highlights the importance of using modern tools to address these environmental issues. For example, there are mobile applications that allow users to plan their meals for the week, ensuring that they only buy the necessary ingredients, thus reducing the likelihood of food waste. Additionally, some apps enable users to share their surplus food with others in their community, promoting a culture of sharing and reducing waste. However, Zarask clarifies that while technology is a powerful tool in the fight against food waste, it is not a complete solution. She argues, "While technology can help, it is not the only solution. We also need to change our attitudes towards food and value it more" (Zarask, 2021) This qualification narrows the focus of the argument, reminding us that technology is just one part of the solution. In summary, Zarask's article suggests that solving food waste requires a combination of technological innovation and a change in how society views food. By using these strategies, we can make significant progress in reducing food waste and its environmental impact.

Zarask also argues that "wasting a bit of plastic can be better than wasting a lot of food."(Zarask, 2021) Studies have found that plastic packaging is crucial for keeping food fresh, extending shelf life for perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and meats. This helps reduce food waste by keeping food edible longer. For example, wrapping cucumbers in plastic can keep them fresh for up to two weeks, and vacuum-sealed plastic can keep meat fresh for months. However, producing and disposing of plastic causes pollution and adds to plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Balancing food safety and environmental impact is complex but crucial. Better recycling programs can ensure more plastic waste is reused instead of going to landfills. Developing biodegradable packaging materials can also help, as they decompose naturally and reduce long-term environmental harm.

Ongoing research and innovation in packaging are essential. Scientists are working on edible coating and films made from natural substances like chitosan, a seafood byproduct, which can extend food shelf life without adding plastic waste. Another promising development is active packaging, which uses substances that absorb oxygen or release antimicrobials to keep food fresh longer. Reducing food waste benefits society by improving food security, saving money for consumers and producers, and reducing environmental pressure. It is essential to continue exploring ways to minimize food waste and maximize resource use. While proper packaging is beneficial for preserving food, it can be environmentally harmful. Thus, sustainable packaging solutions are needed. Addressing food waste requires changing consumer behavior, improving technology, and balancing packaging needs.

In conclusion, food waste is a global issue with significant impacts on the environment, economy, and human well-being. About one-third of all food produced, over 1 billion tons, is wasted each year, causing economic loss, environmental harm, and food insecurity. Mara Zarask's article, "Fighting Food Waste," highlights that food waste starts on farms and ends in landfills, worsened by factors like pests, poor infrastructure, and overbuying. The environmental impact of food waste is alarming, contributing 8%-10% of global emissions from production, transportation, and decomposition. Reducing food waste is crucial for economic efficiency, food security, and combating climate change.

Zarask emphasizes the role of individual behavior and technology in reducing waste. Changing habits and using technology to plan meals and track food can help, but a cultural shift in valuing food is also necessary. While plastic extends food shelf life, it contributes to pollution. Solutions like biodegradable and active packaging are needed. Reducing food waste requires technological innovation, behavioral change, and sustainable packaging. Addressing this issue can mitigate climate change, conserve resources, and ensure food security. Every individual has a role to play, and by making informed choices, we can make a significant impact.

Cited:

Zarask, Marta. "Fighting Food Waste." EBSCOhost, 25 Sep. 2021