TGTG

Too Good To Waste - Food Saving Solutions The Swiss Way

Saturday evening in Anytown Switzerland. A small crowd is gathering outside grocery stores. These shoppers are called data hunters. Their bounty? Expired products. 

In Europe, by law, expired products are not allowed to be sold the next day. As soon as fresh products are past their expiration dates, they become an unwanted burden to retailers. Even more so on Saturday evening, since most stores in Switzerland are closed on Sundays. Quickly, sales staff affixes 50% off stickers on yogurts, cheeses, fruit drinks, prepacked meats, and fresh products. This is the golden hour for the hunters.

Misconceptions by consumers of the meaning "used by" and "best before" dates can contribute to a lot of household food waste. A recent consumer market survey in Europe shows that only one-third of shoppers can correctly interpret the meaning of the two terms. "Used by" is intended only for highly perishable foods such as fresh meat or dairy products.

There is a more sophisticated way to shop for expired food products. With the free mobile app TGTG, launched by Danish Mette Lykkes, over 1.5 million Swiss save food daily from the garbage while also saving money. Lykkes business model is simple and successful: it connects customers with restaurants and stores to purchase unsold food for a lower price. Since food products are of excellent quality in Switzerland, most items are still safe and tasty to consume.

Unwanted food has value. That is the clear message from the Swiss food waste movement. For freshly grown products, it all starts with the farmers. Unfortunately, if a carrot does not develop according to the required size, color, shape, or other qualifications, it will be rejected by the buyers. Some vegetables end up as animal feed, some are tossed out. What is wrong with a crooked carrot or an uneven pear? Nothing! Same taste, but unfortunately, today's spoiled consumers are brainwashed to the point that they will only pick perfect-looking fruits and vegetables. 

This October, a few Swiss farmers offered rejected apples and pears free of charge to passing commuters at big railroad stations throughout the country. With this promotion, the farmers wanted to make the consumers aware of their products' unjust qualification requirements to make it to the stores.

Every September, food waste activists and about 100 volunteers organize a giant food save banquet in Bern. Ahead of the outdoor event, volunteers collect surplus food from restaurants and stores, prepare delicious meals and feed about 3,000 meals at no cost. These volunteers bring awareness about food waste by providing delicious meals cooked with food items doomed to be wasted. 

Another exciting concept is Madame Frigo, launched by two young women. These community fridges, placed outdoors in bigger towns, are open to the public as an exchange platform for everyone. Anybody can put edible food no longer required in the refrigerators at any time. And, of course, items can also be taken home. This offering, which can easily be integrated into daily life, allows private households to reduce food waste positively.

We will know the worth of food when we don't have it. Everyone can make a difference - Waste not what the Earth gives you.