I’ve watched TUBS of un-eaten shrimp and crab legs get thrown out after dozens of banquets. I’ve seen bartenders pour newly opened wine into the sink so as to charge parties for a few more bottles. Working in Sam’s Clubs as an outside vendor, I’ve seen them throw out rotisserie chickens by the dozen after four hours on the shelf (defensible, perhaps) and once was put next to a stinky watermelon display in which most of the melons were rotten and ended up being thrown out simply because a manager forgot about them for a week.

It’s not American people, it’s American businesses who seek to A) have the best appearance; and B) avoid lawsuits if at all possible.

Then there is the farm subsidy, which actually creates an incentive for dairy farmers to produce more milk than they actually will sell. Ask a supermarket manager about all the dairy and meat products they throw out each week — food which the producers knew would never sell in the first place. “Get big or get out” exacerbates this.

Americans aren’t alone — a study came out in Britain last year with similar figures. The worst part is thinking about all the energy wasted in producing and transporting what will go straight into the bin. We could at least give it to those in need or compost it.

Caitlin – I think the only thing that could change this is a cultural transformation. Perhaps this recession will make a dent in the excess, but I doubt the effect will last for long once the economy recovers. I think we’re afflicted with a sense of entitlement that makes people here believe we “deserve” whatever we want. On the flip side, we are a charitable country, but what we do every day is making a bigger and negative impact than our charity.

Todd – That’s terrific historical context, thanks for adding it!

Andy – Your god must be quite a vicious tyrant for you to hold that opinion. Perhaps you should find a new one.