How Wisconsin Residents Can Help the Environment by Reducing Food Waste: Tips from the DNR

Food Waste Prevention: A Simple Guide for Wisconsinites

Food Waste Prevention Week runs from April 7-13, and it’s a perfect time to think about how much food we throw away. Did you know that in 2020, Wisconsin sent about 854,000 tons of food waste and scraps to landfills? That’s around 294 pounds for each person in the state! This wasted food not only ends up as trash, but it also breaks down and emits methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Households are a significant part of the problem, with food waste accounting for about 30% of residential trash. A study from Penn State University found that the average household loses nearly $1,900 a year just from food they don’t eat. That’s money that could be saved or spent on something else!

What Can You Do?

Here are some easy and effective tips to help you cut down on food waste at home:

• Understand Food Labels: Many food products have date labels, but these don’t always mean the food is unsafe to eat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests using your senses. If food looks and smells fine, it’s likely good to eat. Learning to judge freshness can help you save perfectly good food from the trash.

• Plan Your Shopping: Before you head to the store, take a quick inventory of what you already have. Making a shopping list based on your meal plans can help you buy only what you need. There’s even a free tool called The Guest-imator from Save the Food, which helps you plan portions for gatherings. Don’t forget to send guests home with leftovers!

• Store Food Right: Proper storage is key to keeping food fresh. There are many helpful resources like Save the Food’s Store It Guide that offer tips on organizing your fridge and extending the life of your groceries.

• Freeze Surplus Food: If you have food that you won’t use right away, pop it in the freezer instead of throwing it away. This includes leftovers and extra ingredients like vegetables, meats, and even eggs. Freezing is a great way to preserve food for future meals.

By following these simple tips, you can help reduce food waste and save money. Let’s make a collective effort this Food Waste Prevention Week to rethink our habits and make our food go further.

For more insights on reducing food waste at home, check out the DNR’s dedicated webpage on this important issue. Every little change can lead to a big difference!

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