GQ, more power to ya and all the others who actually think about how much we waste in the US. As for standards in cleanliness and food service standards, I think a few of you need to take your bikes on a little trip south of the border for a few months, then come back and tell me what is 'gross' and what you can live with. Also, you'll have (or should have) a different outlook on what and how you consume, yourself.

Seems like a lot of you have mentioned being a part of programs some time or another that take this unnessesary waste and make good use out of it. Cool. I had a good experience with an organization called Food Not Bombs which did the same thing, took just-expired produce and turned it into great vegetarian meals for the homeless and hungry. www.foodnotbombs.org There may be a group in your area.
I think a lot of this wasting from bakeries and groceries has to do with them responding to our consumer habits. We overlook produce that isn't shining bright or has a bruise or scar, so they know they cannot sell the stuff. Also the bit about liability on selling or giving away 'old' food is another one. If we weren't so sue-happy in the US, I think things would be a lot different. Sure, they might be different in bad ways, like more people would be stepping into uncovered manholes and all that, but hey, watch where your going!

I am glad people are thinking about waste issues. I wish more people would. The way these companies package our food is rediculous and should not be supported. In my opinion it should be outlawed. I think companies that use plastics in their packaging should have to pay for recycling programs and should be taxed if the packaging is not recyclable. Oh man, this turned into quite the rant.

I support dumpster diving. But sure, use common sense, if you can ask for the stuff before it goes in the trash, of course it is better that way. And leave the syrupy stanky bins for the rats, roaches, and bacteria, they need to eat too.

Peace

Dave