Food loss and waste is a significant global issue often overlooked by the everyday consumer. When food is thrown out, all the resources that were used to produce this food—including water, land, energy, labour, and capital—go to waste. Food waste also has severe implications on climate change. Disposal of food loss contributes to greenhouse gas emissions due to the increased waste in landfills. This issue lies in both the retail and consumption level. However, households are responsible for the largest portion of all food waste, oftentimes due to overbuying, poor planning, and confusion over labels and safety. Approximately 40–50% of all food waste happens at the level of the consumer.
Tackling an issue as large as food waste and loss is no easy feat, which is where Shelf Hero comes in. Aiming to turn this new consumer awareness into action, Shelf Hero is a mobile app that helps to tackle food waste at a consumer level. Food waste and loss in households is often overlooked. However, Shelf Hero makes this mission easier for the everyday consumer, through encouraging small changes in one’s day-to-day such as incorporating quick hacks that eliminate food waste. The goal is for the consumer to be able to seamlessly integrate these habits into their daily routines, taking smaller steps towards mindful living.