The following article is a contributed story from Wilton Go Green.
Last January, the Town of Wilton introduced a food scrap recycling pilot program to Wilton residents with support from Wilton Go Green and the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA). Instead of discarding food in their trash bins, residents were encouraged to take their food scraps to designated receptacles at Wilton’s Transfer Center.
Since the program’s inception, approximately 17.5 tons of food waste has been diverted from landfills and incineration. Diverted food waste was converted to compostable soil to nourish the planet — what was once taken from the soil has now been put back. The good news is by keeping food out of the trash, residents are also making an outsized impact on reducing air pollution and preserving vital, natural resources, including the water and energy needed to break down our food.
Why focus on food waste?
Food waste accounts for the largest single item dumped in U.S. landfills, generating toxic pollutants equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 42 coal-fired power plants annually.
The largest reduction in food waste starts right in our own homes. U.S. households account for 39% of food thrown away — more than restaurants, grocery stores or farms, according to ReFED. Every small step to reduce household food waste is one giant step to a greener and more sustainable solution for our community and our planet.
There are many ways to start being part of the solution to feed and nourish our planet:
- Make regular trips to food scrap receptacles at Wilton’s Transfer Center, located at 71 Mather St. There is no fee to drop off food waste; however, an annual transfer station permit is required to participate. Residents can purchase a permit online as well as a food scrap starter kit. A list of acceptable food waste items and other collection questions can also be found by visiting the HRRA’s website.
- No time for a visit to the Transfer Center? Join one of four residential pick-up services that come to your home and transport your food scraps to a composting facility. The money spent on an annual program is a fraction of the cost of the money wasted on food we don’t eat — a family of four throws away $1,500 from food waste each year. And best of all, residential pick-up services accept all food scraps. Participants can also receive a free bag annually of composted soil to see the fruits of their efforts!
- Backyard composting is another way to reduce your heavy (and smelly) trash. Instead, composted food adds moisture to the soil, combats erosion and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Gardeners call composted soil “black gold” for its nutrient-rich makeup to nourish next season’s soil, seeds and plants. It’s easier than you think to start composting in your own backyard. Learn the benefits and helpful hints online.
- Planning ahead can stop food waste in its tracks. Plan meals ahead of time and only buy what you need. Stop the overshop by creating a shopping list and checking your pantry before heading to the grocery store or ordering online.
- Have a strategy for excess food. Take leftover food and turn into new meals to reduce waste. Become a master of food storage and learn techniques for preserving different food types. Scan your cupboards and pantry for food items you do not anticipate using. Locally, the Wilton Food Pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays and accepts perishable and non-perishable items for those in need.
- Understand expiration dates. Often we toss food items when they reach their expiration dates yet many foods are safe to consume after these suggested time frames. Use your senses and educate yourself on timing food’s freshness.
We can cultivate simple, healthy habits at home to reduce our food waste footprint. Every step we take will be one step closer to feeding our planet by nourishing our land, air and water. Start today by simply reducing your trash and connect with Wilton Go Green for easy ways to have an outsized impact for our planet.