Apps as a tool against food loss and waste. Technical implications and implementation complications

Abstract

The study of environmental crisis that affects the world in contemporary times involves the analysis of different factors which contribute to a bigger problem. One of these factors is food loss and waste. This issue originates as well from different factors that can be approached from different strategies. This article analyses the use of smartphone apps as a tool to fight food loss and waste. Theoretical bases that support the use of these tools as a viable option to mitigate environmental problems and the different implications of food loss and waste. It is then analyzed the technical requirements of apps and considered their economic viability from the software developer and entrepreneur respectively. Finally, it is exemplified with a case study of a failed anti-food waste app launch in Guadalajara. Results show that these apps design is a development that requires of many resources compared to a slow return on investment that will hardly ensure the app sustainability. Potential reaches of the app are high, but hard to accomplish without a solid structure behind and, ideally, support from government or private institutions that are more interested in environmental impact than financial profit.