As Earth Day approaches (22nd April), Too Good To Go, the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, is shining a spotlight on a growing community of Irish food businesses taking action against one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges - Food waste.

Earth Day serves as an annual reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet, and reducing food waste is one of the simplest, most impactful ways we can all make a difference.

In Ireland, more than 750,000 tonnes of food are wasted each year, with nearly half coming from households.

Bread, fruit and vegetables are among the most commonly discarded items.

On the Too Good To Go app, consumers are connected with local businesses to rescue unsold surplus food, packaged as Surprise Bags, at a discounted price, preventing food from going to waste.

This not only helps the planet but helps towards reducing costs of grocery bills. 

In February, it was announced that grocery retailer ALDI Ireland achieved the milestone of 250,000 Surprise Bags across its 163 stores, while also celebrating two years of partnership. 

Too Good To Go are delighted to mark this, having also seen a fresh wave of Irish businesses joining their fight against food waste in recent weeks.

These incredible businesses include GreenVille Deli, Dubray Coffee, Vada Café, Bakers + Baristas, and Iciar Cheese at Whelehans Wines in Dublin, as well as J.M. Reidy’s in Killarney, Co. Kerry.

“To date, we’ve saved over 1.5 million Surprise Bags in Ireland, working with more than 2,000 partners across all counties,” said Machaela O’Leary, Sales Manager at Too Good To Go Ireland.

"Over 1.5 million Surprise Bags saved is equivalent to 4,050,000kg CO2e avoided and 704 flight tickets around the world.

“Food waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today, and it’s something we can all act on.

“This Earth Day, we’re proud to celebrate the collective efforts of Irish businesses coming together to prevent food from going to waste and make a lasting impact.”

Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager at ALDI Ireland, added: “On Earth Day and every day, we’re proud to support initiatives that align with our sustainability goals and deliver tangible community impact.

“We are thrilled to announce that we've recently achieved the milestone of saving 250,000 Surprise Bags across our 163 stores.

“Our partnership with Too Good To Go has now reached its two-year mark, and we couldn't be prouder to be part of this wonderful initiative. We look forward to saving many more Surprise Bags in the future!”  

From hidden gems to household names, businesses across the country are seeing the benefits of reducing waste.

J.M. Reidy’s in Killarney — known for its award-winning food, quirky charm, vintage interiors and live music — is one such local favourite.

Cailaigh Leahy, Cafe Manager, says: “We get to offer great food to people while reducing food waste — it’s good for our customers, good for our business, and good for the planet. We're excited to contribute to an initiative that positively impacts the planet by helping people prevent food waste.

“It's a privilege to collaborate with Too Good To Go, especially on Earth Day.”

Bakers + Baristas, a Bakery Café operator and well known for its delicious and freshly baked goods has also experienced an overwhelming response to their Surprise Bags.

Ioana Stache Cafe Manager in The Pavilions, Swords says: “It is wonderful to see such a positive reaction to our Surprise Bags, which shows that people are actively seeking ways to prevent food waste and are looking for alternatives to avoid overspending on their weekly shop.

“This initiative benefits not only our business but also the planet. That’s why we’re thrilled to collaborate with Too Good To Go as we continue our mission to minimise food waste, not just this Earth Day, but every day!”

This Earth Day you can play your part by rescuing food near you from going to waste.

Simply download the Too Good To Go app and browse nearby food businesses offering unsold surplus, and reserve a Surprise Bag to collect later that day — all at a reduced price.