Living sustainably doesn’t have to feel like a chore. There are incredible apps and services out there that make reducing food and plastic waste easy, fun, and even rewarding. Let’s dive into five of our favourites that are helping us live more sustainably every day.
1. Olio: Share the Love (and the Food)
Olio connects neighbours and local businesses to share surplus food (and other things!) that would otherwise go to waste. Whether it’s leftover cupcakes from a party or extra tomatoes from your garden, Olio makes it easy to give food a second chance. It’s simple: snap a photo, upload it to the app, and someone nearby can claim it. Bonus: you can also share non-food items, making it a one-stop shop for decluttering sustainably. [Get the app here]
2. Too Good To Go: Save Food, Save Money
In a similar vein, Too Good To Go is like a treasure hunt for foodies. Restaurants, bakeries, and cafes list unsold food at a steep discount—your mission is to rescue it before it’s thrown away. The app offers “Magic Bags,” where you don’t know exactly what you’re getting, but that’s part of the fun. Think croissants, curries, or even sushi—all at a fraction of the price and with zero waste guilt. [Get the app here]
Also similar: Yume for mainstream groceries items
3. Fridge Food Recipe Generator: Cook Smarter, Waste Less
Ever looked at the random ingredients in your fridge and thought, What on earth can I make with this? Enter the fridge food recipe calculator. Simply input what you’ve got—half an onion, a handful of spinach, that lonely chicken breast—and the app will whip up recipe ideas tailored to your stash. It’s the ultimate tool for using every last bite and avoiding those “oops, I forgot about that” moments.
There are several options for this including Supercook, Foodwise and Whisk. With Whisk, you can even take a photo of what you have and a recipe will be generated for you.
4. The Party Kit Network: Zero-Waste Celebrations
You've seen us talk about reducing single-use plastics at parties or events. The Party Kit Network lets you do exactly just that - borrow reusable tableware, decorations, and other party essentials, so you can avoid disposables. With kits available in local communities, it’s an easy and affordable way to celebrate sustainably. Plus, your guests will be impressed by your eco-savvy hosting skills! [JOIN PARTY KIT NETWORK HERE]
5. Trashless Takeaway: BYO Containers
Take your reusable containers to participating cafes and restaurants with the help of Trashless Takeaway. This initiative helps reduce single-use plastics by encouraging customers to “Bring Your Own” for takeout. It’s a simple, effective way to enjoy your favorite meals without adding to the plastic problem. [JOIN THE TRASHLESS TAKEAWAY REVOLUTION NOW]
6. Naked Asian Grocer: Plastic-Free, Waste-Free Asian Ingredients
What's a blog post without a plug? Naked Asian Grocer is on a mission to strip away food and plastic waste by offering Asian groceries sold by weight—no plastic packaging, no fuss. Whether you’re stocking up on pantry staples or exploring new Asian groceries, Naked Asian Grocer makes eco-friendly shopping simple.
