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Join us on the International Day Against Food Loss and Waste. Discover how you can make a difference for the environment

On September 29th, the world unites to observe the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), a day established by the United Nations to highlight the critical issue of food waste and its far-reaching impacts. This day, co-convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), serves as a global call to action, urging everyone to contribute to halving food waste by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3.

The Environmental, Economic, and Social Impact of Food Waste

Food waste is not just an ethical issue; it’s an environmental and economic crisis. Globally, 40% of all food produced—approximately 2.5 billion tonnes—goes to waste each year (WWF, 2021). This wasted food is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to climate change (WWF, 2024). If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter in the world, after China and USA (FAO, 2016).

Economically, the cost of food waste is staggering, amounting to about $1.1 trillion annually (WWF, 2024). Socially, this waste is tragic when considering that nearly 733 million people suffer from hunger worldwide (FAO, 2024).

Reducing food waste is the number one action you can take to help tackle climate change, by limiting the temperature rise to 2˚C by 2100 (Project Drawdown, 2020): it isn’t just a necessity; it’s a critical step toward a more sustainable and equitable world.

It Isn’t Just You Stepping Up for the Planet

Facing climate change, many of us feel like our efforts are small drops in a vast ocean. A recent study highlighted a significant perception gap: while 70% of people would be willing to contribute 1% of their household income to combat climate change, only 30% believe that others in their country would do the sameScience Advanced, Madalina Vlasceanu et al., 2024. This gap in perception can discourage people from taking action, as they might feel their efforts won’t matter if others aren’t doing the same.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. The world is full of people just like you, who care deeply about the planet and are already taking steps to protect it: "It Isn’t Just You Stepping Up for the Planet.” Every time you rescue a Surprise Bag or a Too Good To Go Parcel with the Too Good To Go app, you’re contributing to a collective effort—one that involves millions of people worldwide who are actively working to reduce food waste and slow down climate change.

When you save a meal, you’re not just preventing food from going to waste—you’re joining a global community that’s making a real difference. The proof is in the numbers: over 100 million registered users and over 155.000 active partners on Too Good To Go have come together to take positive action, rescuing meals and reducing food waste every single day. This collective effort shows that people are willing to step up for the planet, and together, our impact is enormous.

When you realize that millions of others are walking the same path, your steps feel lighter, your resolve stronger, and your impact even greater.

How You Can Make a Difference Every Day

Taking steps to reduce food waste isn’t just for special occasions—it’s something we can all do every day. Here are some simple ways to start making a difference:

1. Plan your meals: Before shopping, take a moment to plan your meals for the week. This simple step helps you buy only what you need, reducing the chance of food spoiling before you can use it.
2. Store food wisely: Learning the best ways to store different types of food can extend their shelf life. For instance, keep your refrigerator organised so that older items are used up first.
3. Get creative with leftovers: Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Instead, transform them into new meals—last night’s veggies can easily become today’s soup or casserole. Discover more on our Instagram account [link].
4. Use Too Good To Go: Download the Too Good To Go app and start rescuing delicious meals that would otherwise go to waste. Join millions of others in taking this simple but powerful step for the planet.

Businesses can join too: If you own or run a business, consider signing up with Too Good To Go. It’s a win-win-win: reduce waste and attract new customers who care about sustainability.

Take the First Step Today

Every step you take to reduce food waste makes a difference—not just to you, but to the entire planet. This International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, remember that you’re part of a global community. By downloading the Too Good To Go app or signing up as a business, you’re joining millions of others in making a tangible impact.

Together, we can create a world with no food waste—one meal, one action, one person at a time. Thank you for stepping up for the planet.