In this blog post we will be covering how FoodCycler and collaborative partnerships emerge as key solutions to combat food waste and advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals (or SDG's).
What Are the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals?
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives designed to address environmental, social, and economic challenges, aiming for a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030.
"We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path." - UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.
How Does FoodCycler Fit In?
FoodCycler is 100% committed to closing the loop on food waste in homes, businesses, and communities across the globe. Our products make recycling food waste easy and convenient, diverting unavoidable food scraps from the landfill, where otherwise the food waste would have released.
TLDR: Why is this a problem and why is it bad?
Approximately 1.05 billion tonnes of food are lost or wasted globally each year—a staggering figure that highlights not only a huge waste of resources but also contributes to about 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change.
When food is discarded, it often ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and can produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, all the water, energy, and labour that went into producing that food are wasted, putting extra strain on our planet's resources. Tackling food waste is essential for reducing emissions and promoting a more sustainable food system. By improving efficiencies in production, distribution, and consumption, we can mitigate these negative impacts and create a more resilient future!
Addressing this challenge calls for innovative solutions, and emerging food waste recycling tools and technologies, like FoodCycler, offer a promising pathway to reduce food waste while also pushing forward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How FoodCycler Supports Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
The FoodCycler converts food waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment that acts like a natural fertilizer. When mixed with soil, these amendments not only nourish your plants but also boost soil health and significantly increase crop yields.
Research from The Vineland Research and Innovation Center shows that using the by-product from a FoodCycler was shown to enhance lettuce growth by an incredible 340%. This fertile soil not only promotes healthy food growth but also empowers communities to cultivate their own produce, enhancing food security and resilience. Let’s embrace the power of recycling food waste and watch our gardens—and our communities—thrive!
How FoodCycler Supports Quality Education with Food Waste Awareness Campaigns
FoodCycler works to raise awareness on food waste and boost public knowledge on reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices! By providing clear and engaging educational resources, these campaigns empower individuals and communities to make informed choices that help cut down on food waste.
At FoodCycler, we’re excited to share our EcoSchools Food Cycler Program, which is already making a difference in over 200 schools across North America by helping them recycle their food scraps while developing circular micro-economies in school gardens and beyond.
In every community we work with through our FoodCycler Municipal Programs, we not only offer training on how to use this innovative technology, but also how to share its benefits and showcase the positive impact of their efforts. Together, through increased awareness and education, we can inspire collective action toward waste reduction, paving the way for a more sustainable future for everyone!
How FoodCycler's Anaerobic Digestion Supports Access To Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy
FoodCycler technology is truly a game-changer when it comes to transforming food waste into a valuable resource. The FoodCycler's by-product - or Foodilizer, has been shown by Celignis Analytical to be a powerful feedstock for biogas production. It can reduce food waste volume by up to an impressive 90% and lower moisture content to under 5%. This makes it not only easier but also more cost-effective to transport organic waste to anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, which helps reduce transport emissions.
By streamlining waste management, we’re not just tackling the food waste challenge, we’re also supporting a cleaner energy future. FoodCycler helps people, businesses and communities move toward affordable and clean energy!
How FoodCycler's Multi-Residential Innovations Promote Sustainable Infrastructure
Integrating food waste recycling systems into new multi-residential buildings and retrofits is a fantastic way to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency while significantly cutting down on hauling emissions. By tackling food waste at its source, residents can effectively reduce waste generation and divert organic materials from landfills.
This transformation turns food scraps into valuable feedstocks for compost and biogas, while also lowering methane emissions associated with landfill decomposition and transport—an important step in the fight against climate change.
Plus, this innovative approach fosters a culture of sustainability within communities, encouraging responsible consumption and waste management practices. As these green buildings become shining examples of effective resource management, they promote healthier living environments and improved air quality for everyone. By prioritizing sustainable infrastructure, we’re creating resilient urban spaces that can better tackle environmental challenges while supporting economic growth and innovation.
How FoodCycler Municipal Programs Support the Switch to Sustainable Communities
FoodCycler Municipal Solutions are here to tackle the important issue of food waste while making our communities cleaner and more sustainable! With over 180 municipalities across North America already embracing our innovative programs, local governments can effectively reduce landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions while meeting their sustainability goals.
So far, our initiatives have helped avoid significant GHG emissions from landfills, making a real difference for the environment. But that’s not all—these programs also promote community engagement and helping to build stronger, more resilient cities.
How FoodCycler Contributes To A Circular Economy for More Sustainable Consumption and Production
FoodCycler food waste recyclers are a key player in promoting a circular economy by turning food waste into valuable resources! By converting organic waste into nutrient-rich amendments, we not only reduce waste volume but also empower communities to make the most of these materials. This process inspires a shift in mindset toward sustainability and responsible consumption. In fact, an amazing 77% of our users resolve to wasting less food thanks to their increased awareness!
When people see the real benefits of recycling their food scraps, they’re more likely to embrace eco-friendly habits in their everyday lives. Ultimately, this technology helps create a system where food waste is recycled back in a circular fashion, fostering a more responsible and sustainable approach to how we consume and produce.
To learn more about FoodCycler technology, watch this video.
How FoodCycler Technology Reduces Methane Gas by Diverting Food Waste from Landfills
When food waste ends up in the trash, it decomposes in landfills and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Fortunately, food waste recycling technologies are here to help! By pre-treating food waste right at home, we can effectively prevent those methane emissions.
The innovative FoodCycler process reduces waste volume by up to an impressive 90%, making it easy to incorporate the by-products into compost piles or use as a natural fertilizer—diverting waste from landfills entirely. Plus, with less waste to transport, the trucks that typically haul refuse can operate more efficiently, leading to lower emissions overall. By adopting these technologies, communities can play an active role in climate reduction efforts and significantly shrink their environmental footprint.
How FoodCycler Enhances Soil Quality
Transforming food waste into soil amendment is a fantastic way to boost soil quality, making it a powerful ally in our journey toward environmental sustainability!
Adding organic matter is scientifically proven to enhance soil health. By recycling food waste with FoodCycler and producing a powerful soil amendment, we’re supporting sustainable land management practices. This innovative approach contributes to a more resilient agricultural system and paves the way for a greener future for our planet.
How FoodCycler Encourages Partnerships Between Public and Private Sectors and Academic Institutions
Encouraging collaboration among governments, businesses, and academic institutions is essential for developing and implementing innovative waste management solutions! By fostering these partnerships, we can tap into diverse expertise and resources to tackle food waste more effectively. This collaborative approach enhances the sharing of knowledge and best practices, driving the creation of new technologies and methods.
At FoodCycler, we’re proud to engage with universities, research labs, community organizations, and all levels of government to innovate our products and gain a deeper understanding of their impact. Through these cross-cutting strategies, we’re paving the way toward a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Some of our partners:
CFIN | Carleton University | York University | ReFed | Impact Canada | Re+ | Lambton College | Vineland Research & Innovation Centre | Regenerative Waste Labs
Conclusion
FoodCycler is proud to be contributing to a number of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals providing easy solutions to reduce food waste at the source and divert from the landfill. We are committed to continuing to achieve even more in the future!
Sources
1 - Miller, S. and Food Cycle Science (2024) Food Cycle Science Municipal Infographic, www.foodcyclescience.com. https://foodcyclescience.com/pages/municipal-solutions.
Note sur la terminologie
Le FoodCycler® est un recycleur électrique de comptoir qui décompose les déchets alimentaires par un processus mécanique en un sous-produit sec et léger qui peut être utilisé comme engrais dans les jardins. Le FoodCycler® et les autres recycleurs électriques de déchets alimentaires ne sont pas des composteurs et ne produisent pas de compost ou de terre car ils ne nécessitent pas de microbes supplémentaires pour décomposer les déchets alimentaires avec des bactéries. Cependant, le terme "composteur électrique" a été utilisé pour décrire les recycleurs électriques de déchets alimentaires.