November 15 is National Recycling Day!
For Wisconsin farmers, recycling goes beyond the green and grey bins at the end of the driveway on trash pick-up day. They have been reducing, reusing and recycling their resources for decades.
Let’s explore some examples of how Wisconsin farmers reduce, reuse and recycle resources and discover ways that your family can join them in practicing these efforts at home.
Reduce
Reduce soil erosion: Farmers across Wisconsin are using soil-saving practices like reduced-till and cover crops to reduce soil loss. These practices work together to promote healthier soil, leading to cleaner air and water. They also trap excess carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduce inputs: Advanced technology and conservation practices help farmers to use their resources and inputs more efficiently. Farmers are producing more food on less land with less inputs. Farmers often test soil before planting to determine composition, pH and balance of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These results help to determine the proper type and amount of fertilizer to apply.
You can reduce your impact at home by meal planning. When you plan your grocery trips to only buy what is needed, you can help reduce food waste and save money. Make sure you are storing your produce properly to reduce waste. Reduce your water use by using high efficiency appliances and turning off the tap while you brush your teeth.
Reuse
Reuse food waste: Food waste, edible food that was spoiled or discarded before consumption, is the number one contributor in landfills. Farmers can redirect this rejected food as feed for cows and livestock. Potato peels, cranberry hulls, expired cereal and imperfect candy are just some of the many examples of waste products that can be fed to cows. Using these byproducts in a cow’s diet often offers a cost-savings for the farmer.
Reuse water: Water is a valuable resource for farmers. It is used to irrigate crops, nourish animals and clean equipment. Water can be used more than once before it is returned as part of the natural water cycle. The same water can be used up to four times on a dairy farm: first to cool the milk, then to water the animals, then to clean equipment and, finally, to irrigate crops.
You can reuse your resources at home by repurposing leftovers and food scraps. Use your leftover proteins in a salad or soup the next day. Composting your food scraps is another great way to reduce your impact and nourish the soil in your garden. You can also reuse household items instead of tossing them in the trash. Before discarding old items, think of how you could repurpose them – turn glass jars into storage, for example, or old towels into cleaning rags.
Recycle
Renewable Fuel: Renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel contribute to a cleaner environment while reducing pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. Ethanol is made from corn, deriving its energy from the sun, rain and soil. According to the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, using ethanol helps to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 30%. The byproducts of ethanol production can be fed to cattle as a high-energy feed source.
Recycle Manure: Manure is used as a natural fertilizer to provide nutrients for crops. It can also be turned into energy with a methane digester. The energy created in the digester can be used to power farms and homes within a community. Some Wisconsin dairy farmers are also recycling manure to use as bedding for their cows. Once the manure is collected, the liquids and solids are separated. The liquid can be recycled for cleaning equipment and watering crops. The solids can be dried and used as bedding. The process starts over again with manure collection.
You can recycle at home by sorting your household waste to ensure that items like cans, bottles and cardboard are properly disposed of. Items should be empty, clean and dry when you toss them in the recycle bin. Remember, plastic bags are not recyclable so it is best to leave your jars, bottles and boxes loose in the bin. Check with your local municipality for more recycling guidelines.
Farmers are creative thinkers and innovators, using every last bit of their resources to maintain their bottom line and help the environment. Reducing, reusing and recycling resources helps farmers to be more efficient and protect the environment. How can you get creative to reduce, reuse and recycle in your home?
Visit the Sustainability at Home page to find more ways to reduce your impact at home.