AWARE’s Zero Waste Campaign
Food Waste Action is Climate Action
Written by: Alexandra Cuschieri, Zero Waste Campaign Coordinator
Did you know that food waste accounts for 8% of global emissions? (source). In fact, if food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest contributor to global emissions (source). One-third of all food produced globally is wasted, and when food ends up in landfills, it releases methane—a powerful greenhouse gas.
Last year in Whistler, 26% of all waste sent to landfills by residents and businesses could have been diverted to organics composting and transformed into nutrient-rich soil to support local agriculture. Instead, it was destined for landfill, contributing to planet-warming emissions.
The good news? Tackling food waste is one of the simplest, most impactful ways to combat climate change.
That’s why AWARE is excited to launch a new zero-waste campaign with organics as the focus for 2025—to empower the community and local businesses to take action on food waste, with the collective goal of diverting 5% of organic waste from landfill by the end of the year.
Residents: small changes, big impact
The average Canadian household throws away $1,300 worth of food each year (source). 20.4% of household organic waste in Whistler is avoidable; food that could have been eaten but wasn’t, for reasons such as overbuying, improper storage, or forgotten leftovers. We are here to help you save money at home by improving grocery planning and shopping habits, storing food correctly, and getting creative in the kitchen with leftovers, surplus food, and all edible parts of fruits and vegetables.
Want to dive deeper? Participate in our upcoming surveys and voluntary activities to help paint a clearer picture of what is being wasted, and let’s create solutions together.
Last year, 39% of waste thrown away by households in Whistler could have been composted instead of landfilled. To address this, we will offer FREE workshops, composting guides, caddies, and compostable bag liners, to help you make a difference.
Businesses: let’s collaborate
Food retailers and food service businesses in British Columbia lose an estimated $1.3 billion worth of food each year (source). Throughout the campaign, AWARE will offer FREE one-to-one training sessions, tailored action plans, and waste audits to Whistler restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores to help your organization reduce food waste, lower costs, and meet separation requirements under the Solid Waste Bylaw. Keep an eye on our website and social media to register for these exciting opportunities!
Join the movement
Stay connected:
- Sign up for our monthly newsletter for campaign updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for tips, stories and progress
- Participate in workshops, surveys, and events throughout the year
Small steps can make a big difference. Together, we can protect Whistler’s natural environment, promote a circular economy, and build a sustainable, climate-resilient community.
