Across Europe, households discard a staggering 88 million tonnes of food waste annually. This not only represents a financial burden (estimated at €88 billion per year) but also contributes to methane emissions in landfills. But it’s not just food. In the UK alone, households discard an estimated 30 million tonnes of waste every year, much of which could be reused or donated.
Olio is a free app that connects users with nearby businesses and individuals who have surplus food or home goods – stuff that would otherwise go to waste. With over 7 million users, Olio has unlocked the social, sharing economy and fostered a sense of local community in the UK and Spain.