As I’ve written previously, the IPCC’s March 2023 report shows that the situation on climate change has reached dire levels. Thankfully, this report also points to ways we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions now — and one of these methods is to reduce food waste.

Today, I’m breaking down some reasons why reducing food waste dramatically affects climate change. And I’m shining a light on one of our clients who is doing powerful work in this area.

Why Reduce Food Waste

Reducing food waste is important for saving money and resources, but it can also help fight climate change. 

In fact, according to the United Nations, if food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (after China and the United States). Here are some of the reasons why reducing food waste is so important for the environment:

Reducing food waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions

When food is wasted, it ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and releases methane. Estimates suggest that 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed.

By reducing food waste, we can reduce the amount of methane that is released into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change.

Food production requires resources

Food production requires a lot of resources, including land, water, and energy. When we waste food, we are also wasting these resources. 

For example, it takes around 1,800 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef. By reducing food waste, we can reduce the demand for these resources, which can help alleviate some of the strain on our environment.

Transporting food

The transportation and processing of food also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. When we waste food, we are essentially wasting the emissions that were generated during the transportation and processing of that food. 

By reducing food waste, we can reduce the amount of emissions that are generated during the entire food production and consumption process.

Using food waste to create renewable energy

Finally, food waste can be used to create renewable energy. When food waste is sent to a landfill, it decomposes and releases methane, which can be captured and used to generate electricity. This is known as anaerobic digestion, and it is a great way to generate renewable energy while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This is Where Foodprint Group Comes In

At CFO on Speed Dial, we have supported the growth of Foodprint Group a zero waste consulting and tech firm from its inception. 

Foodprint Group helps companies with large food service divisions implement Zero Waste best practices and embed circular economy principles into the company culture and operating procedures. 

Through a combination of proprietary online tools and deep expertise, their tech-enabled Zero Waste Program helps their clients reduce waste – which also helps companies improve their triple bottom line: climate, cost, and community impact.

Foodprint Group has worked with restaurants, hotels, food retail, and office operations in 36 cities across 20 countries. You can read more about Foodprint Group’s work and the clients they’ve served here.

TRAX: the Future of Foodprint Group

Foodprint Group has used their skills, knowledge and experience to build a zero waste reporting tool: Trax®.

Foodprint Trax® is a web-based waste meter and GHG calculator. 

Trax® is used by companies to monitor waste in one or many locations every day and track progress on the path to Zero Waste, where 90% or more of wasted materials flow into the circular economy. 

Companies using Trax® can easily monitor how well their zero waste programs are working; identify weak points where further improvement would pay dividends; and report to stakeholders on their progress. In an age where actual and verifiable change is critical, Trax® helps companies convert waste reduction intentions into specific and measurable decreases in greenhouse gas emissions. 

CFO on Speed Dial and Foodprint Group

We’ve been supporters of the Foodprint group journey practically from day one. 

Our initial engagement with the FPG team was a Fast Action Project to help create the business model and forecast for the startup venture. We had previously worked with one of the founders through our group program; so when they wanted a forecast to support a startup loan (from a family member) our services were a perfect fit.  

From then our partnership has evolved over time.  

We provide the core bookkeeping and advisory services to Foodprint Group and are supporting their current effort to raise additional capital to build the next iteration of Trax® and fund the growth needed to spread the technology to many, many companies with large food service operations. 

As a relatively small company, our monthly finance discussions include cash flow, profitability and overall growth strategy.  We also make sure the books are investor ready and that financial reports are available for existing and potential investors. 

Learn More About Foodprint Group and How to Fight Climate Change & Reduce Food Waste

If you want to dive deeper into the work Foodprint Group is doing, the benefits of reducing food waste, and how you can work to fight climate change, here are some resources to check out:

• Foodprint Group’s Website

• The U.N.'s Efforts to Promote Sustainable Lifestyles

• IPCC’s AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023

• IPCC’s Press Release, Urgent climate action can secure a liveable future for all

• More Continually Updated News from IPCC

And if you want support in making your impactful business more profitable, book a call with our team today.