Tackling Food Waste

Food waste is a significant issue across Canada. Each year, 2.3 million tonnes of edible food is wasted (Food Waste, n.d.). That is equivalent to approximately 58% of food produced in Canada. This astonishing amount of food waste costs the average Canadian household over $1,300 per year. Food waste also has significant environmental impacts as it heavily contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (Home Educational Resources The Environmental Impact of Wasted Food, 2019). With rising global temperatures and grocery prices, it is essential for consumers to find ways to tackle food waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and save money. A great way to do so is by looking into environmentally friendly grocery stores.

An example of an environmentally friendly grocery store with a social goal is Peko Produce (pronounced “peck-o” as in “peculiar”). Founded by Sauder alumni, Sang Le and Arielle Lok, Peko Produce is Vancouver’s first peculiar & surplus produce delivery service. Peko Produce’s mission is to reduce food waste and promote greater access to more affordable, healthier diets (Peko Produce, n.d.). They do so by delivering “ugly” produce, that would have otherwise been rejected at traditional grocery stores, at a discounted price through their subscription model. Customers have the choice of purchasing a one-time produce box or their weekly subscription. Both choices are cheaper compared to traditional grocery prices. Peko Produce is the perfect example of a company that is re-purposing materials by giving produce a new life.

Companies, such as Peko Produce, help consumers save money while simultaneously reducing food waste. We are entering a new era where groceries can create a competitive advantage by introducing sustainable business models. As the grocery industry becomes revolutionized, consumers will be able to save money and reduce their environmental impact. Overall, Peko Produce and many other revolutionary grocery brands make consumers hopeful for a sustainable future by tackling food waste and food insecurity

Sources:

Food Waste – City of Toronto. (n.d.). City of Toronto. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recycling-organics-garbage/long-term-waste-strategy/waste-reduction/food-waste/

Home Educational Resources STEM in Context The Environmental Impact of Wasted Food. (2019, July 23). Let’s Talk Science. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-in-context/environmental-impact-wasted-food

Peko Produce “Peculiar” Grocery Delivery, Up to 40% Off Retail Prices. (n.d.). Peko Produce. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://pekoproduce.com/