As the holidays approach, many of us are thinking about food—family recipes, full tables, and shared meals. But for too many people, the season looks very different. Around the world, millions struggle with hunger while enormous amounts of edible food go to waste. It’s a contradiction we can change.
More than one-third of all food produced globally never gets eaten. That’s 33 out of every 100 plates lost along the way—enough to feed billions. According to Project Drawdown, the emissions from this wasted food total nearly 4.9 billion metric tons of CO₂e each year, contributing to climate change. Food waste isn’t just about what ends up in the trash; it’s about wasted water, energy, labor, and potential.
Meanwhile, the global food system—spanning how we grow, transport, store, and consume food—produces over 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions, while food waste accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Tackling hunger and climate change are not separate goals; they are deeply connected challenges that depend on how we value food.
Why Zero Hunger Still Matters
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2—Zero Hunger—calls for ending hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. It’s an ambitious target, but progress starts with awareness and action. Every decision we make about what—and how—we eat influences this global system.
Food security, nutrition, and agriculture sit at the heart of a fair and sustainable future. When we waste less food, we conserve natural resources and reduce emissions. When we nourish more people, we strengthen communities and create resilience in the face of a changing climate.
The Power of Simple Actions
You don’t need to overhaul your life to make a difference—just start where you are.
1. Plan Smarter
- Shop intentionally. Plan meals for the week and stick to your list.
- Repurpose leftovers into new dishes before they spoil.
2. Store Better
- Keep your fridge and pantry organized by expiry date.
- Use clear containers so you can see what’s inside.
- Learn the best ways to store fruits, veggies, and grains to extend freshness.
3. Get Creative
- Turn scraps into soups, sauces, or stocks.
- Share surplus food with neighbors or local food banks.
Each action reduces waste and extends nourishment. Collectively, they transform habits and systems.
Businesses Have a Role Too
Companies can help lead the way by:
- Donating surplus food to local charities and food recovery networks.
- Designing packaging that extends shelf life and minimizes waste.
- Supporting farmers who use sustainable, regenerative practices.
- Educating employees and consumers about reducing food waste.
By rethinking how food moves through supply chains, organizations can advance their net-zero goals while supporting the well-being of their communities.
Introducing the Waste Less, Nourish More Challenge
From November 18 to December 31, join the JouleBug + Clearyst “Waste Less, Nourish More” Challenge and take hands-on steps toward ending food waste and hunger.
Through interactive actions and friendly competition, you’ll learn and act across five key areas: Food Access, Nutrition, Reducing Food Waste, Sustainable Agriculture, and Advocacy. This is a goal-based challenge—as participants reach milestones, they’ll be entered into a raffle to win prizes that reward their impact.
Whether you’re a college student cooking for one, a professional driving climate action at work, or a leader shaping your organization’s sustainability goals, this challenge connects your daily choices to global impact.
Every logged action adds up. Together, we can reduce emissions, conserve water, and help build a future where every person has access to safe, nutritious food.
Take the First Step
This season, make your mantra Waste Less, Nourish More.
- Start with one habit—plan your meals, share leftovers, or shop with intention.
- Join the challenge to track your progress using the JouleBug app.
- Invite friends, coworkers, or your team to join you.
When we act collectively, we create ripples of change that reach far beyond the plate. Let’s turn holiday abundance into shared resilience—because when we waste less, we truly nourish more.