Getting back into rhythm after the summer can be overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to re-focus on routines that help your wallet and the planet. One of the best examples is reducing your household food waste.
There are several ways to tackle food waste as a household: meal planning and shopping accordingly, freezing leftovers in small portions, and keeping the oldest food at the front of the fridge or cupboards can help. But many businesses are also looking to reduce costs and waste, creating more savings for you while supporting local.
Too Good to Go is a popular smartphone app where shops and restaurants list “surprise bags” of unused items, often for only 25 to 50% of their original cost. Since launching in Canada in 2021, the company estimates having saved at least 8 million meals from being wasted.
Right here in Mount Pleasant, MPCA business members Love Sugar and Dough shared that–according to the Too Good to Go app–they diverted 844 meals and a corresponding 2.28 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions over the course of a year. Owner Vibhor Shahi said, “We decided to join the platform as part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing surplus waste in our bakery.” Shahi also said being on the app has brought in new customers who hadn’t heard of them before, “so it’s been beneficial in more ways than one.”
According to a report from CBC’s What on Earth feature, “A third of all food produced is never eaten, and that food waste is behind up to ten percent of greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.” Not surprisingly, wasting food also wastes money. Planning ahead, using what you have, and looking for deals on apps like Too Good to Go can help your household and our community reduce food waste, and build a more sustainable future.
Other apps like Flashfood or Food Hero help you find discounts at major grocery chains. Peko Produce (owned by FreshPrep) is a small Canadian company that delivers assorted surplus produce bags right to your door.
If you’re not much for apps, look for discounts on store shelves. Make sure you’ll be able to use or freeze what you buy.
Food waste is a big problem, but the numbers show that actions by individuals and small businesses add up to a big difference.
If you have more ideas on reducing food waste, or if you want to get involved and be a part of making Mount Pleasant a greener community, we would love to have you join the committee. Please email [email protected] for more information or to get added to our email list; you can also find us at mpca.ca/greeninitiatives.
Have a great month,
The MPCA Green Initiatives Committee
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