The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a big goal: cut food waste in half by 2030. Right now, about 900,000 tons of food waste end up in landfills across Wisconsin. A staggering 20% of all landfill waste is food—almost all of which is edible items and scraps like peels and bones.
Laticia Baudhuin, the school nutrition director for the D.C. Everest Area School District, believes composting could make a significant impact. “If we could just redirect all that waste to composting, it would be a huge step forward,” she says.
Companies like Hsu’s Growing Supply are stepping up to help. They provide schools, restaurants, and homeowners with options for recycling food waste in eco-friendly ways. Currently, they collaborate with seven schools in Wausau, including D.C. Everest. Paul Kage, their food waste recycling coordinator, explains how the process works: “The waste goes into our compost rows, where we add carbon sources like leaves. It all breaks down into compost.”
For the past two years, D.C. Everest has actively involved students in composting. At Weston and Riverside Elementary Schools, they compost kitchen waste and leftovers from student trays. Baudhuin emphasizes the importance of teamwork: “We need student involvement to make this work. It’s not just up to the nutrition staff and custodians.”
Kage has noticed a positive trend, saying that more food waste is being collected in the compost bins, which helps keep it out of landfills. “I see a lot more food waste being diverted, and that’s great,” he adds.
As awareness grows, similar initiatives may take root across Wisconsin and beyond.
In fact, research shows that communities engaging in composting can see a 30% increase in participation over a few years. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that educational programs in schools can lead to long-term positive changes in habits and attitudes toward sustainability.
Composting not only reduces waste but also provides nutritious soil for gardens and farms. By working together—students, schools, and local businesses—communities can make a real difference for the environment.
For more insights and details, you can check reports from the Wisconsin DNR.
Source link
Wisconsin food waste,Wisconsin food waste reduction,DNR composting,DNR composting program,school food waste,school food waste composting,Hsu’s Growing Supply,D.C. Everest,D.C. Everest composting
