The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants to lower food waste in the state.
The DNR is encouraging residents to celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week which begins Monday (April 7th).
Cutting down on food waste not only helps the environment but can save money as well.
According to the DNR’s statewide waste characterization study from 2020-21, 294 pounds per Wisconsinite, or 854,000 tons of food waste was sent to state landfills.
Food waste is considered edible food thrown away before it is eaten or spoiled, which makes up approximately 30 percent of residential trash.
Penn State University also estimates that households lose roughly $1,800 annually on food that is thrown out, making food waste prevention not only eco-friendly but also wallet-friendly.
To find more information on Food Waste Prevention Week and how to prevent food waste, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.
