By Laurie Casey and Judy Klem

With 40% of all food being wasted in the United States, the Interfaith Green Network, in conjunction with several sustainable organizations in the area, want to help us all become Food Waste Warriors. Two programs are lined up to help us become more aware of the problem of food waste and what we can do about it at home.

Those who didn’t catch the documentary WASTED! at last year’s festival have another chance next month at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Oak Park Library. Doors open at 6 p.m. for this free screening. All ages welcome. Please register here.

The Interfaith Green Network (IGN), a group of faith communities on the near-West side, will show the film, which highlights food waste and the ways that Bourdain’s famous chef friends, food companies and citizens can reduce the amount of food that’s thrown away. Bourdain, who recently passed away, was a passionate supporter of zero waste efforts. This film screening will be free and open to the public. Watch the 1-minute trailer here.

On Tuesday, February 12, IGN will host a Food Waste Workshop to share what's happening in Oak Park/River Forest to address the problem of food waste. Representatives from the OPRF Food Pantry (Food Rescue & Surplus Project), Seven Generations Ahead, Village of Oak Park, Oak Park River Forest High School, Green Community Connections, and more will share their knowledge and resources with participants who can learn actionable steps on how to make impactful changes in their lives and at home regarding food.

What can you do? With a lot of feasting happening in the coming weeks, now is the time to plan ahead in an effort to reduce waste. Check out these quick and easy tips to reduce food waste at home from Stephanie Izard, Top Chef winner and owner of Chicago's Girl & The Goat, who was recently profiled in this Forbes article.