WISCONSIN (WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is marking Food Waste Prevention Week by offering practical ways for residents to reduce food waste, save money, and help the environment. According to the DNR’s 2020-2021 statewide waste characterization study, food waste is the largest component of trash in the state. Roughly 840,000 tons of food waste and scraps — about 294 pounds per person — were sent to landfills in 2020. Wisconsin joins 20 other states in lawsuit against Trump administration regarding funding cuts for museums & libraries Food waste, which includes both edible food and items like banana peels and eggshells, contributes to methane production in landfills, a potent greenhouse gas. Household food waste alone makes up 30% of residential trash. A Penn State University study estimates this waste costs households $1,866 per year. Wisconsin county enforcing seasonal weight restrictions, deputies actively monitoring “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.” Here are some DNR-recommended tips to reduce food waste: Understand date labels. Most date labels are not federally regulated (except for infant formula) and indicate peak quality rather than safety. Look, smell, and trust your senses before tossing items. Plan meals and shop smart. Take inventory before shopping and plan meals accordingly. For gatherings, the Guest-imator by Save the Food helps estimate how much to buy and prepare. Store food properly. Proper storage extends food life and cuts down on unnecessary trips to the store. Tools like Save the Food’s Store It Guide can help organize your fridge and preserve freshness. Freeze leftovers. Freeze surplus ingredients and leftovers before they spoil. Even items like eggs, vegetables, and meat scraps can be frozen and repurposed later. For more tips and resources, visit the Wisconsin DNR website. ...read more read less