Efforts to think twice before trashing waste have been granted some significant funds to help curb 'garbage.'
Two grants have been awarded through the Regional District of North Okanagan's (RDNO) ReTHINK Waste program: Better Table Solutions ($22,000) and FoodMesh ($20,500).
The Better Table Solutions project is designed to enhance food efficiency and minimize food waste for restaurants within the RDNO.
It combines online training and informative food efficiency audits with the goal to empower commercial kitchens with the knowledge and resources needed to reduce waste, optimize food handling practices, and accurately assess the environmental impact of their operations, particularly concerning food efficiency and carbon footprint.
Funding to FoodMesh will build on previous development work of the North Okanagan Food Recovery Network that brings together businesses, charities and farmers.
Quality surplus food can support charitable organizations like food banks, and leftover food that is no longer suitable for consumption can go to farmers for animal feed.
Since starting up locally in April 2023, the Food Recovery Network has reported more than 371,600 kilograms of food diverted from disposal, which is equivalent to providing more than 462,700 meals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 957 tonnes.
91裸聊视频淎voidable food waste (food that could be eaten by people) is one of the most frequently found materials ending up in landfills,91裸聊视频� said Darren Murray, RDNO environmental coordinator.
91裸聊视频淲hen food is wasted, all the resources that go into bringing that food to our plates, such as cleared land, fuel, electricity, fertilizer, and water, are wasted. These grant projects have great potential to help conserve landfill space and address other urgent issues related to food waste, including climate change and affordability91裸聊视频�.
The ReTHINK Waste Grant Program supports innovative projects that reduce waste in the region.
Priority is given to waste reduction projects that focus on the first two Rs 91裸聊视频� reduce and reuse.
If you have an innovative project that would benefit our region or want to get tips on reducing waste, visit . The intake for 2026 projects will reopen in the fall.
