How to save money and fight food waste

A new generation of apps is rescuing perfectly good food from landfills, making it available at a fraction of the retail price at restaurants and grocery stores.

Michael J. Coren reports for The Washington Post.


In short:

  • Food waste apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go connect users to surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants.
  • These apps help reduce the 2.5 million tons of food waste retailers discard annually, benefiting both the environment and consumers.
  • By purchasing discounted surplus food, users can save money and access healthier food options.

Key quote:

“It feels like they are spreading like wildfire. I love the model because at least some of the food would literally have been thrown out a day later. It really is saving it from the garbage.”

— Dana Gunders, ReFED

Why this matters:

These digital do-gooders save money and so much more. Reducing food waste can cut global CO2 emissions and provide affordable, nutritious food options, particularly benefiting low-income families struggling with the high cost of healthy eating. Read more: New White House strategy backs food rescue efforts but more is needed to fight hunger and waste.

EXXON sign against blue-sky background
Credit: Wolterk/BigStock Photo ID: 151650362

Exxon funded thinktanks to spread climate denial in Latin America, documents reveal

Texas-based fossil fuel company financed Atlas Network in attempt to derail UN-led climate treaty process.

A closeup of the CBS News website

CBS News just gutted its climate team

Following its acquisition by Skydance Media and the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor in chief, CBS News has laid off most of its climate reporters, a move critics say undermines one of broadcast journalism’s strongest voices on global warming.

Abandoned pumpjack at orphaned oil well
Credit: Photo by Strange Happenings on Unsplash

The only National Parks employee who tracks leaky oil wells is out of a job

Forrest Smith was forced to step down last month as the National Park Service’s chief petroleum engineer. He wasn’t replaced.
two EVs, side by side, being recharged at charging stations
Credit: Diana Light for Unsplash+

EV charging networks are expanding, but drivers still worry about range

A new poll finds that many Americans remain hesitant to buy electric vehicles. The AP-NORC/EPIC poll found only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults say they would be highly likely to buy one the next time they purchase a new vehicle.
Two bicyclists riding single-file in a downpour
Photo Credit: Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

A Post investigation shows where hidden rivers in the sky are fueling deadly floods

A new Washington Post investigation reveals where climate change has supercharged the movement of moisture through the skies.
Nuclear power station twin cooling towers
Credit: Getty Images For Unsplash+

Western states brace for a uranium boom as the nation looks to recharge its nuclear power industry

After years of federal efforts to revive nuclear power, old mines are stirring again in Wyoming, Texas and Arizona, while new ones line up for permitting expedited by a Trump executive order.
Glen Canyon Dam Lake Powell
Photo by Gary Yost on Unsplash

The water war Trump hasn’t blown up

The fight over the Colorado River’s dwindling resources is made for MAGA — but so far the Trump administration has been playing it straight.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.