WasteLess is deeply committed to educating the public about the significant social and environmental consequences of food waste. Recognizing that consumers represent the largest sector contributing to this issue, our focus includes addressing the substantial amount of food wasted within our homes that unfortunately cannot be rescued. When this uneaten food ends up rotting in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly harms our planet. However, we firmly believe that each of us holds the power to make a difference by reducing food waste at the individual level. In fact, we did the math! Did you know that if every Salt Lake County resident reduced just 2 pounds of food waste per month, we’d collectively save over 2.3 million pounds of food waste in just 30 days? A small shift in our habits, such as thoughtful meal planning, proper food storage techniques, and creative use of leftovers, can make a massive difference in our collective impact.
We speak at various local events to educate the public on the need to reduce our food waste, as Americans currently throw away approximately 40% of the food we bring home. We also host various classes to help people reduce their food waste, and are always happy to table at events within our community. Our current schedule can be viewed on our events page.
Food Waste Prevention Courses: Learn. Save. Sustain.
Join the movement toward a more mindful and efficient food system with our Food Waste Prevention Courses, designed for both individuals and businesses. For the home, learn actionable strategies—from smart shopping to creative cooking—that can help the average family of four save $1,500 or more annually by preventing wasted food. You will gain the tools and habits to make your kitchen more organized, intentional, and sustainable. For businesses across all food-related sectors, this course offers practical, system-based solutions to reduce operational waste, lower costs, and enhance your reputation with today's eco-conscious consumers. By transforming food loss into savings, businesses can significantly strengthen their bottom line while taking a meaningful, tax-deductible step toward environmental leadership. Start creating long-term savings, reducing your environmental impact, and bringing greater awareness to how you shop, cook, and operate today.
Join a Virtual Cooking Class
Join our WasteLess Seasonal Cooking Class Series—a monthly virtual experience designed to help you cook smarter, reduce food waste, and eat better. Each class focuses on simple, nutritious dinners made from fresh, in-season ingredients, providing practical tips to stretch your grocery budget and cook with confidence. You will learn how to plan smarter, shop intentionally (with a list!), and make the most of every season's flavors. We offer strategies for everything from proper food storage (your freezer is your BFF!) to understanding confusing date labels. Whether you join for the year or a single class, you'll walk away with skills and recipes that make home cooking effortless and deeply rewarding. Classes are held monthly over Zoom, led by Diane Sheya, former owner of SLICE cooking school and founder of the Utah Dinner Project.
Sign up for a class or the series today!
Here's What You Can Do
Cook More
- Plan your meals ahead of time.
- Consider multiple ways you can use up extra ingredients.
- Freeze your leftovers.
Shop Smart
- Make a shopping list and stick to it.
- Purchase ugly produce that may otherwise go to waste.
- Buy local and seasonal — shopping at farmers markets can make this easy.
Take Action
- Learn how to properly store food to reduce waste.
- Compost your scraps and waste.
- Get the app from FoodRescue.US.
- Visit savethefood.com for more tips.
