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Hello BESTers, Solving our food waste problem will not only require social change but advances in technology as well. This week I have an article about research out of Ireland on developing a plasma technology that kills food spoilage microorganisms at room temperature. The goal of this technology is to extend the shelf-life of food, particularly for packaged produce, which is particularly susceptible to spoilage and waste. It has the added benefit of reducing the carbon footprint of shipping the produce, because slower, more efficient transportation methods can be used. While it is ideal to eat fresh, local, seasonal food and only buy want you need, in a global food economy supporting over 7 billion people, this isn't always feasible. Therefore, any advances that extend the shelf-life and reduce spoilage of food should be considered as one of the many tools to reduce and eventually eliminate food waste. Have a great weekend, Ryan http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-researchers-bite-back-in-battle-against-food-waste-29810981.html Irish researchers bite back in battle against food waste Irish Independent Darragh McCullough December 5, 2013