Minimizing Environmental Impact While Feeding Hundreds of Thousands A Year

Feeding America estimates that nearly 70 billion pounds of food is wasted every year in the United States; most of the waste coming from the consumer level. The USDA estimates wasted food is the single greatest contributor to municipal landfills. Rotting food in these landfills produces methane gas which is a contributing factor to climate change.

The Duke Energy Convention Center is committed to reducing waste and works hard to ensure that the center’s carbon footprint is at a minimum. 29 recycling bins are located in public spaces throughout the DECC allowing planners, exhibitors and attendees to recycle and compost any and all materials from shows reducing the amount of waste going into dumpsters.

Spectra Food Services and Hospitality, the DECC food and beverage provider, recycles used cooking oil and ensures that all leftover food items get placed into compost bins, diverting additional waste from a landfill. Un-served meals are donated to area organizations like Boys Hope Girls Hope and Henry Hosea House.

Our recycling, composting and green efforts are led by our employee Green Team. The dedication of the DECC staff and help of clients, exhibitors and attendees led to 67.7 tons of waste being diverted from landfills in 2015. Director of Operations and Green Team member Matt Deaton tracks and monitors waste diversion for the DECC. “The commitment from the staff at the DECC and leadership of our Green Team has led to the yearly increase in diversion of food waste since 2012. This has been integral to our business development as we strive to further enhance our green initiatives.” To learn more about DECC green initiatives click here.

The idea of reducing food waste can seem daunting, but there are ways to reduce environmental impact in your own home. The EPA has great tips here for reducing waste. Not only do these tips help with reducing waste, they can also help save you money.