Recycling Food Waste - Anaerobic Digestion
Besides the concerns and the solution for all the grilling food issues, Healthy Grill project is also involved into contribute for the optimization of energy resources through the use of clean fuel as gas and electricity. For that we also will be part of an Anaerobic Digest Program.
We will be a recycled food waste supplier!
We will be a recycled food waste supplier!
Recycling food scraps is good for the environment and business
Food Waste as resource to contribute for a better environment
By putting food waste into a landfill, we are wasting a valuable resource. When properly processed, food scraps can generate renewable energy, enhance the soil as a fertilizer, and feed animals. Composting food waste produces a natural fertilizer, which can create healthier soil and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Through anaerobic digestion, bacteria can digest the food waste to produce methane, a valuable energy source when captured.
One of the our commitments, besides the use of green energy sources on our Healthy Grill project, is to be part of an Anaerobic Digest program, recycling food waste.
There are two different ways to contribute recycling food waste.
- Through the creation of certain compounds that will be used as fertilizers or transformed into food for certain animals.
- Though the transformation of those compounds into energy.
Anaerobic digestion - A Hidden Source of Resources
Feeding animals or fertilizing fields
The closed loop cycle as one of the methods explained is based on mimicking the natural ecosystems. Imagine a cycle of food, waste and energy where the waste the of one part of the chain is used as a nutrient for another.
Imagine a food service business.
We totally believe in this sustainable cycle where nothing gets wasted; it only transfers from one form in another
Imagine a food service business.
- The digester that deals with the biodegradable waste from the restaurant turns the waste into heat and electricity.
- The water treatment system turns the waste water into fresh water using plants and microorganisms.
- A fish farm is fed with vegetable waste from the kitchen and worms from the compost. The fish farm supplies fish back to the restaurant
- The coffee shop uses the waste grains to grow mushrooms.
- This is a great cycle of food, energy and waste. It is very different from what we usually see- extract, use and dispose.
We totally believe in this sustainable cycle where nothing gets wasted; it only transfers from one form in another
Transforming food waste into energy
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
Anaerobic digestion, which is commonly used to treat wastewater solids, naturally produces methane as it breaks down organic matter. Harnessing methane to produce heat, electric power or bio fuel (also known as bio methane)—and offset facility power needs— is becoming an important energy management option.
Divert organic matter - stuff made from plants and animals, such as food waste and yard clippings - away from landfills and transform it into energy is one of the methods that will bring great results. That reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and turns trash into a substantial source of clean energy.
Successfully harnessing energy from organic waste will help the DoD and other agencies meet U.S. federal regulations that require renewable energy sources—7 percent by 2013, as mandated by the 2005 Energy Policy Act, and 25 percent by 2025, as mandated by the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act.
If 50% of the US food waste was Anaerobically Digested, it would generate enough electricity to power 2.5 million homes for a year!