MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to observe Food Waste Prevention Week, Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, by using tips to keep food waste out of Wisconsin landfills while saving money.
The DNR’s 2020-2021 statewide waste characterization study found wasted food was the largest component of trash in Wisconsin. Wasted food is defined as edible food thrown away before it is eaten or because it is spoiled.
When food scraps such as banana peels are included, approximately 854,000 tons of food waste and scraps, or 294 pounds per Wisconsin resident, were sent to the state’s landfills in 2020.
Environmental and financial impact
When food waste breaks down in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas. Food waste makes up 30% of residential trash, according to the DNR.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s report, “Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to American Consumers,” found the cost of food waste to each U.S. consumer to be $728 per year.
“Through food waste prevention, Wisconsinites have a major opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while saving money on their grocery bills,” said Kate Strom Hiorns, director of the DNR’s Waste and Materials Management Program. “Food Waste Prevention Week is a great time to look at how you can reduce the amount of food you throw away.”
Tips to reduce food waste
The DNR outlined the following steps to reduce food waste:
Understand date labels. Date labels are not regulated by federal law and do not indicate food safety, with the exception of infant formula. Manufacturers provide dates to help consumers and retailers determine when food is of peak quality. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises consumers to examine foods to determine if the quality is sufficient for use.
Shop with a plan. Buying more food than needed often leads to more food waste. The DNR recommends checking pantries for must-use items before shopping and creating a meal plan for the week based on those items, along with making a specific list and avoiding shopping on an empty stomach. The UW Extension Seasonal Availability of Wisconsin Fruits and Vegetables guide can help with produce purchases and meal planning.
Store food properly. Proper food storage can reduce waste and save time and money associated with additional grocery trips. Save the Food’s Store It Guide and the Natural Resources Defense Council’s The Refrigerator Demystified sheet offer guidance on food storage.
Start tracking habits. The EPA’s Get Smart: Take the Challenge helps households determine their baseline food waste amount to track habits and develop strategies to reduce waste.
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