When we think about climate change, we tend to focus on the obvious culprits, like car emissions and industrial pollution, says entrepreneur Jan Rem. But there's another contributor, one that's less visible but as significant lurking in our kitchens: food waste.

"The repercussions of food waste and its profound effect on the environment and climate change have become a pressing global and personal concern," Rem tells us, adding that modern consumer culture has fostered a "throwaway society” of overconsumption and a casual attitude towards wasting food. “This mindset has exacerbated the food waste problem, with many individuals discarding food items without considering the environmental consequences."

Rem is doing her part to tackle the problem with Ambrosia Bags, simple linen zipper produce bags she created in partnership with her son. Ambrosia offers a sustainable, convenient way to extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. “By making this small change in how we store our produce, we can make a significant difference in our homes and beyond,” says Rem. 

We caught up with the founder and advocate to dig deeper into the issue of food waste and how we all can work to tackle this problem, one kitchen at a time. 

Talking with Jan Rem

Research states Americans waste 80 to 90 billion pounds of food annually. What is at the top of your mind that you want people to know?

Food waste ranks among the top three most significant food-related concerns for consumers, but there is a substantial gap between awareness and action. Educational initiatives aimed at enhancing public understanding of food waste and its repercussions are falling short of solving the problem. To truly address this global issue, we must move beyond mere awareness and implement concrete strategies to reduce food waste at all levels of the supply chain, from production to consumption. Only through concerted efforts and behavioral changes can we hope to mitigate the environmental impact of food waste and create a more sustainable future for our planet.

What personally inspired you to start Ambrosia?

Recognizing linen's beneficial and preservative qualities, I envisioned a world where everyone could access an all-natural linen ziplock produce refrigerator storage bag. My dream was to provide a sustainable solution for storing fresh produce that could extend its shelf life while promoting eco-friendly practices.

How does extending our produce's life help save food and reduce greenhouse gas emissions? 

As fruits and vegetables decompose, they release potent greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, primarily methane and carbon dioxide. These gasses trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, accelerating global warming. What's particularly alarming is that methane, the primary gas emitted by decaying food, is over 20 times more powerful at trapping heat than the carbon dioxide produced by vehicle emissions.

The scale of this problem is staggering. Globally, food waste is responsible for a whopping 11 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions related to our food systems. This means that the apples forgotten in your fridge or the lettuce wilting in your compost bin contribute to climate change in a measurable way.

By understanding the significant climate impact of food waste, we can take more informed actions to reduce our carbon footprint. Simple steps like meal planning, proper food storage, and composting can make a real difference in mitigating this often-overlooked source of greenhouse gasses.

How can better storing our fruits and veggies help us save money?

Every piece of produce we discard represents hard-earned money literally thrown away. By preserving our fruits and vegetables longer, Ambrosia Bags help us maximize our grocery budget.Beyond personal benefits, reducing food waste has far-reaching environmental implications. When we throw away less produce, we're not just saving money; we're conserving the valuable natural resources used to grow, transport, and store that food.

And there's the emotional well-being. The guilt associated with wasting food is a burden many of us carry. Ambrosia Bags alleviate this emotional toll, making us feel more responsible and satisfied with our consumption habits.

The problem with food waste and environmental issues can be overwhelming, perhaps causing some of us to feel lost about how we can do our part. What do you say to the person who feels overwhelmed?

I firmly believe that each of us has the potential to make a significant impact by taking responsibility for our actions. When we commit to making even the smallest changes to our counterproductive habits, we contribute to a collective effort that can transform both our lives and our environment. This is how we truly empower ourselves and create lasting change. By actively seeking sustainable solutions, we can simultaneously reduce our environmental footprint and alleviate the burden of self-imposed guilt. While these changes may initially require additional time or effort, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconveniences. The virtuous cycle of giving back to ourselves and our planet creates a powerful ripple effect that extends far beyond our individual actions.

What daily actions do you take to reduce waste and live more sustainably?

First and foremost, I prioritize best practices as a conscious consumer, which means I avoid overbuying and over planting in my garden. After returning home from the market or harvesting from my garden, I take the time to properly store all our fresh produce in Ambrosia Produce Bags. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that our precious produce will stay fresh until we're ready to enjoy it.

Additionally, I cherish the tradition passed down from my grandmother and mother of transforming leftovers. It's remarkable how a single dish can be reinvented by simply adding a few extra ingredients or by enjoying it either cold or hot.

I also make it a point to compost all food scraps in a closed system, enriching our garden soil and contributing to future harvests. This holistic approach not only reduces waste but also fosters a sustainable cycle of growth and nourishment.

What do you love most about running your company, Ambrosia, and educating people?

What I find truly remarkable and humbling is the way customers reach out to express their gratitude for the Ambrosia Produce Bags. One might assume that selling a simple item would be straightforward, but the reality is far more complex.

Bringing a product to market requires immense determination and perseverance. However, our customers' unwavering support fueled the resolve to work even harder and reach as many people as possible. Each time we engaged in face-to-face sales, something extraordinary would happen. Return customers would approach us, sharing how Ambrosia Bags had transformed their lives. They would even stop passersby to spread the word about Ambrosia. Witnessing people offer genuine testimonials about something I created is an indescribable feeling. These heartfelt interactions reinforced Ambrosia's value and its positive impact on people's lives.

Our experiences have taught us that true business success isn't just about sales figures or profit margins. It's about creating something that resonates with people on a personal level and improves their quality of life. The stories and testimonials from our customers have always been the driving force and reason behind our continued growth and success.

You can learn more about Jan and Ambrosia Produce Bags here. 

Interview and story by @staceylindsay.