One of the byproducts of an ever increasing population is the municipal waste that we leave behind.  This waste exacerbates an already deteriorating climate situation by further damaging air quality and emitting toxic gasses.  Given that the typical four-member American family wastes 122 pounds of food each month on average, it is no surprise that the United States produces 70% of the world’s solid waste.  However, although we live wasteful lifestyles, the US has a unique platform to make-up by being a leading innovator in reducing waste and building resilient waste systems.