Food rescue in the region: How to save money!

Food rescue in the region: How to save money!

Food waste is a big issue that affects us all. In Germany, around 11 million tonnes of food end up in the trash every year, which corresponds to around 76 kilograms per person. It is not just a question of wasting resources, but also of ethical responsibility, while 733 million people worldwide suffer from hunger. More and more initiatives are therefore committed to saving edible food. A notable approach is the app “Too Good To Go”, which was founded in Denmark over ten years ago.

This app allows users to save surplus food from restaurants, bakeries and other outlets that would be thrown away after closing time. Users can register for free and thus gain access to local offers. A practical example: For three euros, people collecting goods could pick up a “surprise bag” with three rolls and four sweets, the value of which is around nine euros. The food is edible, even if it may have minor defects, and the app has established itself as a practical way to actively reduce food waste.

How “Too Good To Go” works

Using “Too Good To Go” is incredibly easy. After registering, users select an offer and pay conveniently online with a credit card or Paypal. Collection takes place the next morning within a one-hour window, which offers great flexibility. In the app, users can choose between different offers that are provided daily by stores in their area. Currently, most offers can be found in discount stores, bakeries and gas stations, while the catering industry still remains unused in many regions.

The app is not only practical, but also environmentally friendly. Each saved meal avoids an average of 2.7 kilograms of CO2 emissions, 810 liters of water and 2.8 square meters of arable land, further highlighting the ecological benefits. Users have the option to make their collection more environmentally friendly, such as walking or cycling, which helps combat food waste.

User experiences

The user experiences with “Too Good To Go” are varied. Many report impressive savings; For example, in a bakery you can get a bag for 3.99 euros instead of the regular 12 euros. These discounts vary by location and availability can vary, so it's worth checking regularly for offers. While the type of food in the “surprise bags” varies depending on the establishment, they usually offer a pleasant mix of pastries, fruit and sometimes hot dishes.

In addition to “Too Good To Go”, there are also other initiatives against food waste, such as food sharing, where volunteers collect and pass on surplus food, or special online shops such as Motatos and SIRPLUS, which offer products that would normally be thrown away. These approaches show that there are a variety of ways to actively combat food waste and protect your wallet at the same time.

At a time when environmental awareness and sustainability are at a premium, Too Good To Go offers an easy and effective way to both save money and help reduce food waste. A small but significant action that not only benefits your wallet, but also the planet.