Development Scientist, Dow
When Larry Effler heard of how perfectly nutritious food was going to waste because it couldn’t be distributed in time to families in need, he saw a solution in 100% recyclable polyethylene bags. Not only did he find a way to extend the shelf life of fresh food by up to three weeks, he helped the Produce Rescue Center take an important step toward a circular economy, where neither food nor plastic goes to waste.
Director of Sourcing and Industry Partnerships, Montgomery County Food Bank
John Kreger’s dream of saving fresh produce from the landfill started to come true when he started talking to Dow. By using Dow’s 100% recyclable polyethylene bags, John and the Produce Rescue Center discovered a powerful advantage in their race against food spoilage: “We can kind of freeze time for a little bit.” As a result, the food bank’s output has doubled, with more growth expected as the partnership continues.
Sustainability & Advocacy, Dow
Jennifer Ronk joined Dow because she saw an opportunity to help make a more sustainable future a reality. For her, Dow’s partnership with the Produce Rescue Center has been particularly inspiring. Instead of just talking about sustainability, Dow and the Produce Rescue Center are actually working side by side toward a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. I can’t think of anything more exciting than helping to make that happen.
* Data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)