Do you know that up to 10% of greenhouse gas emission comes from the energy to produce food that ends up in the trash? Also, one-third of the produced dishes are thrown away as food waste. Imagine how much energy, money, and resources are wasted along the way that food.
The food waste problem is a global issue that concerns every country in the world. So, lowering half of the food waste worldwide in 2030 is becoming one of the SDG’s targets under action number 12, the goal is “responsible consumption and production”.
Well-known as one of the most innovative countries where many start-ups come from, Sweden also uses apps to save the planet. Here are several apps that are mostly used in Sweden to save food and save our money :D.
- Karma
Karma is an app where producers such as cafés, restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores can sell their surplus products to consumers at a reduced price at a particular time. It is such a win-win solution both for producers and consumers. The stores can still get their income while the consumers can get a lower price for the food they like. It is also effective to reduce waste and preventing food from being thrown away at the end of the day.
This company was established in Stockholm in 2016 and growing well all over Sweden. Karma can be downloaded from Google Play for Android and Appstore for Apple users. As usual, after installing it, you need to create a profile. After that, you can explore the features. You can find which area you want to find your favourite food in by typing the address in the search field. Then all food offerings from nearby shops will be shown on your screen with the store name and the distance from your place. If you click on the café’s name, you will see which food they offer at a reduced price.
You can also use the “follow” feature by pressing your favourite location. Then, you can get automatic notifications when they have food available. Food availability is mostly after lunchtime. So, it will be good to open the app at that time.
- Olio
Photo source: writer’s archive
Olio is also another food-saving app that is also very useful for students. Basically, this app is similar to Karma, which also connects people with shops, cafés, or restaurants to pick up surplus food. The difference between both apps is Olio also connects neighbours in a close area. The food in Olio also can be shared freely without spending any money, so it is more likely to food donations through an app. They connect neighbours with one another and cafes or restaurants with customers. Olio is originally from the UK, but the users are worldwide, and it is used massively also in Sweden.
Olio can be downloaded from Google Play and Appstore like the Karma app. It can be used to share food and other stuff such as clothes, books, furniture, etc. It has several useful features, such as a “forum” where people can talk about a different topic, share their ideas, and announce what they want to give away. There is also an interesting feature called “goals,” a daily achievable challenge that is fun and beneficial for the planet.
As a student, I personally recommend this app because I have been getting its benefit. Sometimes I got free bread from the nearby bakery or a meal for dinner from the close restaurant. I can save my money and get delicious free food while the restaurant can lower their food waste.
- ResQ club
Photo source: writer’s archive
Another app that can save the planet from food waste and is friendly for students is the ResQ club. It is like another version of the Karma app where the cafés and restaurants can offer their leftover food for a 50% discounted price. It is beneficial for both sellers and consumers. Sellers can prevent waste by selling their excess food and still getting money from them. Consumers can enjoy ready-to-eat food without spending much money and time on cooking.
Moreover, this app can also help consumers discover new cafes or restaurants. Consumers also can pick up their food as soon as they order or whenever they like. So, what are you waiting for? Install and start to save your money for food and rescue the planet from food waste!
- Too Good To Go
Photo source: www.toogoodtogo.se
Like the apps mentioned above, this app also works similarly to the Karma and ResQ club. Restaurants, supermarkets, or cafés can post their remaining food and sell them at budget-friendly prices. At first, Too Good To Go was a movement to raise awareness about sustainability and food waste issues in 2015. This movement has been massively spreading around Europe and established in 12 European countries.
This movement aims to fight food waste by empowering everyone to fight food waste together. Following that vision, this movement grows into a huge community and impactful business that is good for business owners and beneficial for everyone. In conclusion, the most important thing is saving the earth from food waste.
Marina Hardiyanti
Nutrition Science
Karolinska Institutet
Reviewer/editor: Devi Anasava