Food

• Americans discarded $165 billion worth of food last year. That equates to roughly 150,000 tons of food per day, or ~40% of the total. "Fruits and vegetables are the most likely to be thrown out, followed by dairy and then meat."

• ~12% of Americans do not have enough to eat on a daily basis.

• "The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines 'food insecurity' as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for all household members. In 2017, an estimated 15 million households were food insecure. The following 8 states have the highest rates of food insecurity in America: Mississippi (18.7%), Louisiana (18.3%), Alabama (18.1%), New Mexico (17.6%), Arkansas (17.5%), Kentucky (17.3%), Maine (16.4%), Oklahoma (15.2%)."

• In the early 1970's, Americans consumed ~2,200 calories per day. Today, the average American eats ~2,700 calories per day.

• "Three of the most caloric fast casual meals in America are: Chili's Crispy Honey Chipotle and Waffles containing 2,480 calories, 125 g fat (40 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans-fat), 5,240 mg sodium, 276 g carbs (11 g fiber, 105 g sugar), and 63 g of protein. Applebee's New England Fish and Chips consists of 1,990 calories, 137 g fat (24 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 4,540 mg sodium, 134 g carbs (10 g fiber, 14 g sugar) and 55 g of protein. Finally, Olive Garden's Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara weighs in at 1,590 calories, 114 g fat (61 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 2,410 mg sodium, 78 g carbs (4 g fiber, 12 g sugar) and 66 g of protein."

Pets

• According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), "sixty-eight percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet."

• Americans spent ~$70 billion on their pets last year.

• Approximately 12.5 million households have fish compared with over 60 million for a dog and 47 million for a cat. However, because the number of fish per household (tank) is so much higher than that for dogs or cats, it makes freshwater fish by far the most common pet in America. There are ~171 million of them.

• According to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, "there are currently 30 veterinary schools in the United States that are accredited or have accreditation pending."

• "Pets are considered property. Technically, in the eyes of the law, they are no different from a couch or a car."

Auto

• Americans purchased ~17 million vehicles in 2018.

• The Toyota Rav4 (427,170 units) was the top selling SUV.

• The Toyota Camry (343,439 units) was the top selling car.

• ~350,000 Electric Vehicles (EV) were sold.

• The base model Chevrolet Spark ($14,095) is the cheapest (new) car in America.

Education

• The largest universities in terms of undergraduate enrollment are: University of Central Florida (~63,000 students), Texas A&M University (~58,000 students), Ohio State University (~55,000 students), Florida International University (~54,000) and the University of Florida (~52,500).

• "The smallest four-year, non-profit colleges in the nation are: Oregon College of Art & Craft (109 students), VanderCook College of Music (122 students), Visible Music College (127 students), Art Academy of Cincinnati (175 students), and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (188 students)."

• Columbia University is the priciest college in America. The tuition is ~$55,000. *This does not factor in need or merit based aid.

• New Hampshire is home to the most expensive state schools. Average tuition is almost $15,000.

• Wyoming has the least expensive public colleges and universities. Average tuition is just over $5,000.

Climate

• Excluding Alaska, North Dakota takes the honor as the coldest state in the union.

• Florida is the warmest state.

• Nevada is the driest state.

• Hawaii is the wettest state.

• Washington is the cloudiest state.