The Importance of Reducing Food Waste

Food waste is a major concern in Wisconsin, with wasted food making up a significant portion of trash in the state. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), food waste is the largest component of trash in Wisconsin, with approximately 854,000 tons of food waste and scraps sent to landfills in 2020. This not only has a negative impact on the environment but also wastes valuable resources and money.

Statistics and Effects of Food Waste

• Food waste breaks down in landfills and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Households contribute heavily to food waste, with food waste making up 30% of residential trash.
• A 2020 study by Penn State University estimated that households lose $1,866 a year on food that’s thrown out.

Understanding Food Waste and Food Safety

Food waste can occur for a variety of reasons, including expired or spoiled food, food that is not consumed before it goes bad, and food that is not stored properly. Understanding what constitutes food waste and how to avoid it is crucial to reducing food waste at home.

Debunking Date Labels

Food date labels can be confusing and misleading. Many people believe that date labels indicate food safety, but this is not always the case. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises consumers to examine foods to determine if the quality is sufficient for use, rather than relying solely on date labels.

Shopping with a Plan and Preparing for Gatherings

Buying more food than you need often leads to food waste. To avoid this, take inventory of what you already have, plan meals, and make detailed shopping lists. Consider using tools like Save the Food’s free portion planner, The Guest-imator, to estimate how much you need to prepare for gatherings.

Proper Food Storage

Proper food storage can reduce waste and save time and money associated with additional grocery runs. Save the Food’s Store It Guide offers ideas on how to organize your fridge and provides tips and tricks for storing food.

Freezing Before You Toss

Freezing food is a great way to preserve it until you’re ready to eat it. Consider freezing leftovers and surplus ingredients before they go bad. Extra eggs can be removed from their shells and frozen, and vegetable scraps, extra meat, and bones can be frozen and used later for soup stock.

Reducing Food Waste at Home: Additional Tips

For more information and additional tips, visit the DNR’s Reducing Food Waste at Home webpage. By implementing these simple tips, Wisconsinites can make a positive impact on the environment and save money on their grocery bills.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Food Waste Prevention Week is a great time to look at how you can reduce the amount of food you throw away. Join the movement and make a positive impact on the environment.