Boston-based chef Zaid Khan is leveraging the power of technology to combat food waste. He prepares surplus food to be sold at discounted prices through the app Too Good To Go. The app, launched by a Denmark-based company, is aimed at significantly reducing food waste by selling end-of-day leftovers at 60%-80% off.
Initiated in Denmark in 2015, Too Good To Go has quickly expanded its footprint. The app is currently operational in 17 countries and several U.S. cities, including New York, Phoenix, and Seattle. But what sets this platform apart is not just its promotion of resource efficiency, but also its commitment to climate action.
Too Good To Go tracks and displays each user’s lifetime climate impact. It shows the amount of electricity and carbon emissions saved from going to waste. This feature is a stark reminder of the deep connection between the global food system and climate change.
Indeed, the global food system is a significant contributor to climate change. The highest greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, land-use, and animal-based foods. Reducing food-related emissions necessitates shifts towards plant-rich diets, alternative proteins, efficient agricultural practices, and most importantly, a reduction in food waste.
The scale of the food waste problem is staggering. Around one-third of all food produced globally, roughly 1.3 billion tons, is wasted each year. This waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
There are many ways individuals and businesses can decrease food waste and its environmental impact. Smarter shopping, freezing food, composting inedible scraps, and donating leftovers to those in need are just a few examples. Chef Zaid Khan’s initiative is another creative solution to this pressing global issue.
Too Good To Go’s success shows that technological innovation can play a vital role in addressing environmental problems. As more people like Zaid Khan join the movement, there is a growing hope that we can reduce food waste and move towards a more sustainable future.
