Food & Drink
A lighter lifestyle
Olio founders Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One share 8 ways to live sustainably (that you may not have thought of yet).
24 June 2025
This article first appeared in our Organic September 2025 issue of My Green Pod Magazine. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
UK households throw away 6.4 million tonnes of food each year.
When it rots in landfill, food releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.
In addition to being a massive environmental issue, food waste also puts an unnecessary strain on your bank account; the average UK household wastes £1,000 a year on food that ends up in the bin.
Reducing food waste starts right at home – in your fridge, to be specific.
That’s why we’re excited about fridge-scaping: a clever, low-effort way to organise your fridge to ensure food gets eaten and not forgotten.
A tidy fridge won’t just make you feel better every time you open the door; it can help you shop smarter, save money and take climate action – all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Fridge-scaping helps reduce food waste at source, but what about the surplus food you already know you won’t get round to eating?
The Olio app connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food (and other household items) can be shared, not thrown away.
It’s quick and easy to list food you don’t need – whether you bought too much of something or you’re going away for the weekend.
Within minutes, someone nearby can request and collect it from your doorstep. It’s a simple, feel-good way to make sure food gets eaten, not wasted.
Olio isn’t just for food; you can also give away household items, toiletries, clothes, books and more.
From helping to clear space in your kitchen to decluttering your home, sharing through Olio means fewer items end up in landfill – and more people benefit from the things you no longer need.
Food waste might seem like a daunting global issue, but change starts with the little things, like the way we organise our fridges.
By combining fridge-scaping habits at home with the power of community sharing through the Olio app, we can all play a part and help to make a real difference.
Since launching, our community of over eight million users has shared more than 150 million portions of food, keeping perfectly good meals out of landfill and putting it into the hands (and tummies) of people who live nearby.
Whether you’re a seasoned eco champion or just getting started on your journey, take a moment to give your fridge a mini makeover – and use the Olio app to pass on anything you know you won’t use.
The planet (and your wallet) will thank you.
We’ve put together this list of pointers to help you get started with fridge-scaping.
1. Create an ‘Eat me first’ zone
Designate a specific area, ideally a shelf or drawer at eye level, for items that need to be used up soonest.
Whether it’s half a tub of hummus, some wilting greens or yesterday’s leftovers, this zone acts as a visual reminder of what needs eating.
Add a label if it will help other household members know what to grab first.
2. Organise by shelf life
Think about how long different types of food last.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and meats are likely to expire sooner, so give these pride of place in your fridge.
Group longer-life items like condiments, jams and canned goods together in less accessible areas.
This way, short-lived foods don’t get pushed to the back and forgotten.
3. Use clear containers
Opaque packaging can be a food-waste trap – it’s easy to forget what’s inside!
Use clear glass or plastic containers, jars or reusable bags so you can see what’s in them at a glance.
For extra organisation points, use a marker or label to add the date something was opened or cooked.
4. Practice ‘FIFO’ (first in, first out)
When putting away groceries, move older items to the front.
This small shift in routine will help you eat your food in the right order, and drastically cut the chance of something expiring before you notice it.
5. Check your fridge temperature
The average UK fridge runs 2°C too warm!
To maximise the freshness and longevity of your food, set your fridge to below 5°C.
Make sure milk isn’t kept in the door – it’s the warmest part of the fridge because it’s constantly being opened and closed.
Olio founders Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One share 8 ways to live sustainably (that you may not have thought of yet).
Founders of Olio, the app designed to help you lead a greener life, share top tips for living more sustainably this Earth Day.
OLIO joins forces with FareShare and major UK businesses to provide 200 million free meals by the end of the year.
Historic moment for food sharing app Olio as it celebrates 100 million meals rescued.
