Those Leftovers Are Still Good!

Pictured: The DNR’s waste characterization study found that wasted food was the largest component of trash in Wisconsin. Photo credit: iStock/Qwart

The Wisconsin DNR encourages residents to keep food waste out of landfills while saving money.

A recent DNR study found that 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 like banana peels were included, approximately 854,000 tons of food waste and scraps, or 294 pounds per Wisconsinite, were sent to the state’s landfills in 2020.

When food waste breaks down in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Households contribute heavily to this, with food waste making up 30 percent of residential trash. A 2020 study by Penn State University estimated households lose $1,866 a year on food that’s thrown out.

“Through food waste prevention, Wisconsinites have a major opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while saving money on their grocery bills,” says 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 Prevent & Reduce Food Waste

• Understand date labels and when food items are actually unsafe. 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 decide 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. Relying on your eyes and an old-fashioned sniff test can be a better indicator of whether food is good to eat and help you avoid disposing of healthy and safe food.
  
• Shop with a plan and prepare for gatherings. Buying more food than what is needed often leads to more food waste. You can reduce this problem by taking inventory of what you already have, planning meals and making detailed shopping lists. Save the Food’s free portion planner, The Guest-imator, can help you estimate how much you need to prepare for gatherings. You can spread the leftover love by having containers on hand to send guests home with their favorites.
  
• Store food to extend its life. Proper food storage can reduce waste and save the time and money associated with additional grocery store runs. Save the Food’s Store It Guide gives ideas on how to organize your fridge and offers tips and tricks for storing food.
  
• Freeze before you toss. Consider popping your leftovers and surplus ingredients in the freezer before it’s too late. Freezing food is like hitting the pause button and preserving it until you are ready to eat it. Extra eggs can be removed from their shells and frozen. Vegetable scraps, extra meat, and bones can be frozen and used later for soup stock.