Carrot as Compost; Couch as Catalyst

Food waste rescue is the art of saving food from the landfill for use and redistribution. This approach has spurred innovative catering companies, created shelf stable product lines, and provided culinary education and leadership training for people with barriers to employment.

New industry segments all catalyzed by food waste—amazing. This work is creative, and logistically complicated, but so is climate change and food insecurity. Opting out is not an option.

Can we rescue furniture waste with a similar model?

Can we not salvage some materials and add value to others in the name of sustained waste prevention? Can we help create markets through legislation and education? Can we create jobs with integrity that puts creativity in the drivers seat and nurtures local economies? Like chefs and other makers do? Can we measure the benefits of keeping these materials in use to see if it outweighs burying them?

If the materials that go into our furniture are not safe or durable enough to live on after rescuing, what questions should we be asking instead, to whom?