Reducing, reusing, and recycling are essential strategies for minimizing waste and conserving resources, particularly when it comes to food and water!

Food waste contributes to environmental degradation, wasting the food as well as the land, water, and energy used to produce it. By reducing food waste through mindful consumption, reusing leftovers creatively, and composting organic materials, we can help decrease landfill burden and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Conserving water with practices such as reusing water where possible, also can significantly lower our ecological footprint.

Food

Do you know that 40% of the food produced in the United States is wasted each year? This means we throw away about 133 billion pounds of food, worth roughly $161 billion annually. 

When we throw away food, it generates methane, which is a greenhouse gas that is more than 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Research shows that reducing food waste and eating a plant rich diet are some of the most impactful actions we can take to combat climate change .

People waste a lot of food that could be donated, upcycled, or composted rather than sitting in the local landfill. There are lots of ways to reduce wasted food while also supporting local food businesses and even saving money.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a wealth of information on reducing food waste and its environmental impact.

Buy what you need

Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to prevent wasted food is to simply buy what is needed. Avoid purchasing too much produce at one time to reduce the likelihood it goes bad before it is eaten.  

Shop local and in season

Buying local and in-season food supports the economy, reduces food miles traveled, and gets you food that’s fresher. Click here to visit the Michigan Farmer’s Market Association’s Find a Market Map to locate your local farmer’s market.  

Store your food properly!

Proper food storage can help the food you buy last longer. Did you know milk is more likely to go bad if you store it in your fridge door, which is the warmest part of the fridge. Check out this EPA Food waste reduction resource for more food storage best practices.

Donate or Upcycle Food

Another way to reduce food waste is to donate and/or upcycle your excess food or produce. Donating food to local distribution centers is a great way to give back and reduce waste! Check your area’s Facebook groups to find out if there are food distribution groups, where neighbors share excess food.

Upcycling food is an easy way to reduce food waste. Save old veggie scraps to make vegetable broth. Use citrus peels for zest or marmalade. Have stale bread? Use it to make croutons or breadcrumbs! Coffee grounds are a great natural pest repellent in the garden.

Make Food Not Waste is a non-profit organization in Southeast Michigan with a goal to reduce food waste through several strategies including zero-waste recipes. Click here to check out Make Food Not Waste to learn more about how they are combatting food waste.

Compost

Composting is the decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. The finished product of composting wasted food with other organic materials like yard waste produces “compost,” which is great for our soil. Composting does not produce methane, unlike the decomposition process food goes through in landfills.

This year, Oakland County is proud to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week on May 4-10. The 2025 International Compost Awareness Week theme, “Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost,” highlights how composting builds stronger, greener, and more self-sufficient communities by:

• Reducing waste: Composting diverts organic materials from landfills.
• Improving soil health: Compost enriches soil, increasing resilience to drought and extreme weather.
• Strengthening local food systems: Compost supports urban gardens, farms, and sustainable food production.
• Creating green jobs: The compost industry provides employment in waste management, agriculture, and environmental education.

Learn more about how you can celebrate International Compost Awareness Week here.

Tips for composting at home can be found here. Below is a map of compost and food donation facilities in Oakland County. For a larger version of this image, visit our website.

Water

Oakland County is renowned for its abundance of water resources, with more than 1,400 lakes and a complex network of streams fed by six major watersheds. This rich network of waterways is not only vital for the county’s ecosystem but also plays an essential role in the community’s health, well-being, and recreational opportunities.

The Importance of Protecting Water Resources

Protecting Oakland County’s water resources is vital for human health, wildlife, and local economies. Clean drinking water is essential for daily life, while healthy ecosystems support biodiversity and recreation. The following list identifies ways you can easily conserve water in your home!

• Fix Leaks Promptly – Repair any dripping faucets, running toilets, or leaking pipes to prevent water waste and higher water bills.
• Shorten Showers – Reduce shower time to conserve water or install water-saving showerheads.
• Turn Off Taps – Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or scrubbing your hands.
• Wash Full Loads Only – Run your dishwasher or washing machine only when they are full to maximize efficiency.
• Water Plants Wisely – Water outdoor plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
• Use a Broom, Not a Hose – Instead of using a hose to clean driveways or sidewalks, use a broom to save water.
• Install a Rain Barrel – Collect rainwater to use for watering plants, cleaning, or other non-potable uses.
• Choose Water-Efficient Appliances – Opt for water-saving appliances, such as energy-efficient toilets, dishwashers and washing machines.
• Use a Pool Cover – If you have a pool, cover it when not in use to prevent evaporation and reduce the need for refills.
• Mulch Garden Beds – Use mulch in your garden to help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Services

To help maintain and protect the county’s water systems, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner (WRC) offers a variety of services and educational resources.

1. Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) refers to sustainable solutions designed to manage rainwater at its source. GSI methods, such as rain gardens, rain barrels, permeable pavements, and green roofs, help reduce runoff, improve water quality, and prevent flooding.

2. Rainsmart Rebates
To help residents and businesses implement water-saving practices, the county offers, which provides financial incentives for installing rainwater harvesting systems, such as rain barrels or cisterns.

3. Basement Flooding Claim
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office helps residents assess the cause of basement flooding, offer guidance on mitigation strategies, and may assist in addressing claims related to flooding issues.

4. 24-Hour Pollution Hotline
The county operates a 24-hour pollution hotline at 248-858-0931, allowing residents to report environmental hazards such as illegal dumping or water pollution.

5. Hardship Assistance Program
The county offers a Hardship Assistance Program, which helps qualifying individuals manage water bills and related expenses, ensuring that all residents have access to services without financial strain.

For more information best practices on water care, please explore the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner website.

Learn more about our Office of Sustainability‘s efforts to protect drinking water, reduce the county government’s own emissions and energy use, and promote cleaner transportation alternatives.

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