This blog was updated on November 21, 2024.

At Upside, we work to put more economic power in the hands of both people and businesses, and make a tangible impact on their everyday lives. Together we’ve driven more than $1.8 billion in additional profit to our retail partners and $800 million in cash back to our users.  

Since our founding in 2016, we have used commerce through the Upside platform to foster a more sustainable future for all. As businesses earn more incremental sales and people gain more purchasing power, Upside contributes 1% of revenue to: 

• Offset a portion of the CO₂ emissions that result from purchases at participating gas stations. 
• Mitigate food waste by supporting food rescue efforts.  

As our business continues to grow, our sustainability impact continues to hit new milestones, and we’ve taken a new pledge to codify our commitment publicly. 

Carbon offsetting

Since 2016, Upside has offset over 4 million metric tons of CO₂ emitted from fuel purchases through the Upside platform; that’s equivalent to taking about 874,000 cars off the road for one year. 

Food rescue

Americans generate roughly 35 million tons of food waste every year, which negatively impacts our planet. If directed to where it’s needed the most, this excess food could help feed the 10% of American households that are food insecure, while simultaneously mitigating negative environmental effects. A 2021 report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that the water and energy wasted from uneaten food annually would be enough to power 50 million homes, and that the amount of greenhouse gasses produced from food waste was equivalent to the CO₂ emissions of 42 coal-fired power plants.   

Not only that, since we waste about 30% of the food we buy, the average four-person household could save about $300 a month by reducing food waste more effectively.

As the Upside platform expands our footprint with restaurant and grocery partners, our collective impact on reducing food waste grows with it. 

Since our food rescue initiative went live in 2021, we’ve rescued more than 2.9 million pounds of food together with our partners.  

Our 1% pledge 

Upside has always dedicated time and resources towards sustainability initiatives related to our industries of operation.  

Our 1% revenue commitment continues, and to reinforce that commitment publicly, we recently joined Pledge 1%. This makes Upside part of a larger collective dedicated to protecting the world of tomorrow. 

For a more sustainable future, there is strength in numbers. Even as the largest food and fuel network in the United States, Upside’s commitment represents only a fraction of what is needed to protect the planet. Joining forces with similarly dedicated corporate entities is aligned with our ethos. 

If it’s aligned with yours too, consider a role on our team. We’re hiring.