Make a 2026 Resolution to Reduce Food Waste

By Nicole DeSantis, Tenant Engagement Manager, Think Zero LLC

2026 is fast approaching, and the beginning of the New Year is a great time to make some environmental goals and resolutions!

Reducing food waste is a huge benefit to the climate and it also saves money!

Every year, millions of tons of food are wasted, contributing to the rise of methane emissions that threaten our planet's climate. But what if you could be part of the solution? By adopting smarter catering practices, implementing better planning strategies, embracing food donation, and prioritizing composting, you have the power to make a significant impact on reducing food waste. This guide will explore practical steps you can take to minimize your carbon footprint and help create a more sustainable future. Read on to discover how you can transform your approach to food and make a difference!

1. Food Waste Reduction

The first step in reducing food waste is prevention. Companies can encourage employees to avoid waste and organize catered events with this in mind. Choose catering companies that prioritize waste reduction, offering reusable, recyclable, and plastic-free containers, and plan food quantities carefully. Use tools like the Guestimator to avoid overordering, serve food gradually to allow for donations, and focus on local, sustainable, plant-based options.

Tip: Offer more whole foods and less animal products, this is a big win for the climate!

2. Food Donation

Rather than discarding surplus food, companies have a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with local food rescue organizations, shelters, and community programs to donate their excess. This act of generosity not only minimizes waste but also offers vital nourishment to individuals in need. By establishing a consistent food donation program, businesses can foster a culture of giving back, strengthen community ties, and align with their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives.

**Remember, all food donors are protected from liability by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996, so you don’t have to worry about any liability issues whatsoever. 

3. Composting

After making sure you are not ordering too much food and have distributed all that can be donated, remember to compost any leftover food.

Composting is an easy and effective way to keep organic waste out of landfills. This helps lower methane emissions from landfills, which are harmful to the environment. Companies can place bins for organic waste in kitchens and break rooms to collect these materials.

What can be composted? Organic materials include:

• Food scraps

• Coffee grounds

• Paper tea bags (remove string and staple)

• Meat and fish

• Pits and bones (check with your waste collector to see if these are allowed)

• Wet or food-soiled paper (like tissues, napkins, and toilet paper)

Note: Clean cardboard and office paper should go in the recycling bin.

The organic materials in the compost bin will be transformed into nutrient-rich compost that can help enrich soil or be converted into biogas or renewable energy for heating and powering buildings.

Starting an office composting program can greatly reduce a company's environmental impact while benefiting both people and the planet.

Tip: Compostable cups, utensils, plates, etc. are most often not being composted and are usually not a more environmentally friendly alternative to other single use options. Always choose reusables whenever possible. If you must use disposables, we recommend aluminum, and make sure you rinse and recycle it after use.

Tip: Have reusable takeout containers on hand at catered office events for leftovers!

By taking steps to reduce food waste, by donating excess food, and implementing composting, businesses can kick off  2026 with a focus on being more sustainable.

Need help with food donation, and/or implementing a compost program in your office?

Would you like to have a Lunch & Learn or other in office or virtual waste reduction, educational event?

Please reach out to Think Zero for assistance at info@thinkzero.com.