Every year, seven million tonnes of food is thrown away by households in the UK– in other words, 20% of the food we buy goes in the bin1. Alarmingly, over two thirds of Brits (69%) don’t realise that food waste contributes to climate change, and yet, in the UK alone, binning food is responsible for about 8% of all global emissions2. The good news is that we, as individuals, have the power to change this. Whether it’s making weekly menus, or eating leftovers, there are many ways to reduce food waste. Even better, the digital age is providing us with innovative and easy-to-use apps, like Olio, to help us limit food waste.
Name: Olio
Description: Food Sharing App
HQ Location: London, UK
Sharing is caring
Olio is an app that connects neighbours with each other so food that hasn’t been consumed, or is unlikely to be eaten, can be shared, not thrown away. If you’re giving away food, all you need to do is upload a picture of what you’re offering, add a description, and specify when and where the food can be picked up. If you’re at the other end of the spectrum and want to get food, simply browse the listings near you, and if you find something you like, you’ll just need to make a request and arrange a pick-up via private messaging.
Since its launch in 2015, Olio has accomplished a lot in its fight against waste. According to Olio, over a million people are using the food sharing app and almost two million portions of food have been shared, instead of being binned. Also, by encouraging neighbours to meet, Olio has likely helped build many friendships and strengthened communities
Encouraging businesses to do good
Olio isn’t just urging people to share food, it also encourages the food industry to do its bit for the future. With Olio’s Food Waste Heroes programme, food businesses, like supermarkets, restaurants, and delis, can give away their unsold or unserved food. When a business joins this programme, Olio will send volunteers to collect and redistribute the surplus food, so it gets into our bellies, rather than our bins.
At Wealthify, we're also doing our part for society and the environment. We offer Ethical Investment Plans that let you invest in companies operating in a sustainable way, whilst excluding harmful activities. Our Ethical Plans aim to remove the so-called ‘sin stocks’ (gambling, tobacco, adult entertainment, and weapons). But it doesn’t stop there, our Ethical Plans also include funds that screen out other types of activities like deforestation and animal testing. Ethical investing isn’t just about removing the ‘bad stuff’ though, it’s also about supporting organisations that are actively pursuing a more ethical culture and in-house processes with the aim to increase their positive contribution to the environment and society as a whole. With our Ethical Plans, your money is invested in companies that have a positive impact on society and the environment. Here’s more on what our Ethical Plans contain and exclude: https://www.wealthify.com/blog/what-s-really-in-an-ethical-investment-portfolio
Companies with high ethical standards, like Olio, are more common than you think! Check out our blog about OutsideIn’s ethics.
If you want to learn more about Olio, head here: https://olioex.com/
Reference:
Please remember the value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you could get back less than invested.
