Saving food with Anna
A day in Berlin – how one cyclist is helping reduce food waste
Every day, countless kilos of fresh and edible food end up in the bin instead of on someone’s plate.
Anna is helping change that by cycling across Berlin to collect surplus food from local businesses. Every ride helps ensure that food in good conditions reaches people who need it instead of going to waste.
We spent a day with our ambassador to learn more about her mission and how anto supports her every step of the way.
Hi Anna! Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, what do you do, and what matters most to you?
Do you think Berlin is a bike-friendly city?
Anna: Hi, I'm Anna and I live in Berlin. I work as a social scientist in the public sector. In my free time, I enjoy staying active through sports. I care a lot about helping people live healthier, more active lives, and whether through my work or volunteering, I like finding practical ways to make everyday life a little easier. I'm also passionate about sustainability and reducing food waste.
One of the ways I contribute is by volunteering to rescue surplus food from local businesses and helping make sure it reaches people instead of ending up in the bin. For me, sustainability isn't about being perfect, it's about making conscious choices every day and inspiring others to do the same.
One of the ways I contribute is by volunteering to rescue surplus food from local businesses and helping make sure it reaches people instead of ending up in the bin. For me, sustainability isn't about being perfect, it's about making conscious choices every day and inspiring others to do the same.
What does your typical day look like?
Anna: Every day is different, and that's what I enjoy most. Depending on the day, I visit different supermarkets, bakeries, and cafes to collect surplus food, coordinate with other volunteers, and distribute what we've rescued. There are always new places to visit and new people to meet.
How do you usually get around Berlin?
Anna: Almost always by bike. It’s the fastest and most reliable way to get around the city – especially when I have multiple stops. With the bike, I am flexible and can adjust my route at any time if something changes spontaneously. That happens quite often, which is why I definitely prefer the bike to public transport.
How does your bike support your work?
Anna: I transport almost everything on my bike. On any given day, that might include my work bag and laptop, groceries, or even furniture like a small armchair. When I'm rescuing food, it also means carrying boxes between different collection points. It gives me a lot of flexibility. I can carry everything I need, move efficiently between pick-up locations, and avoid traffic and parking altogether.
Why do you use anto and how does it fit into your daily life?
Anna: With anto, I can transport really big and heavy items that would otherwise be difficult to carry. One trip that really stands out was bringing home around 35 kg of rescued vegetables. I've also used it to transport several bakery crates at once. Having that much space means I never have to think twice about whether something will fit—I know I can get it home easily.
Anna: Berlin has made great progress over the years. In some districts, such as Steglitz, I've seen more and more bike lanes being built, and more people are choosing to cycle for their daily journeys. Of course, there's still room for improvement, especially when it comes to safe cycling infrastructure, but it's encouraging to see cycling becoming a bigger part of city life.
Anna: I've been involved in rescuing and distributing surplus food for about nine years.
Food waste is something that has concerned me for a long time. I find it hard to understand how we can produce perfectly good food only to throw it away while other people are hungry. It isn't just the food that's wasted, it's also the water, energy, labour, land, and other resources that went into producing it. Every rescued meal reminds me that small actions really can make a positive impact.
Food waste is something that has concerned me for a long time. I find it hard to understand how we can produce perfectly good food only to throw it away while other people are hungry. It isn't just the food that's wasted, it's also the water, energy, labour, land, and other resources that went into producing it. Every rescued meal reminds me that small actions really can make a positive impact.
How long have you been involved in saving food and why is it so important to you?
What do you wish for the future?
Anna: I'd like people to be more aware that our planet's resources are finite. I hope that encourages us to think beyond ourselves and consider the impact our everyday choices have on other people and future generations.
I also hope more people discover how easy it can be to make sustainable choices in everyday life. Whether it's cycling more often, wasting less food, or supporting local initiatives, every small step counts. If more of us make these choices, together we can create healthier cities and stronger communities.
I also hope more people discover how easy it can be to make sustainable choices in everyday life. Whether it's cycling more often, wasting less food, or supporting local initiatives, every small step counts. If more of us make these choices, together we can create healthier cities and stronger communities.
Thank you very much, Aya!
We're grateful to be helpful on this mission and to have you as part of the anto community. We look forward to continuing the journey together!
Anna's story is a reminder that sustainability isn't only about big innovations, it also comes from everyday decisions. Whether it's rescuing surplus food, choosing the bike instead of the car, or supporting local initiatives, small actions can add up to meaningful change.
One ride, one collection, and one rescued meal at a time.
Anna's story is a reminder that sustainability isn't only about big innovations, it also comes from everyday decisions. Whether it's rescuing surplus food, choosing the bike instead of the car, or supporting local initiatives, small actions can add up to meaningful change.
One ride, one collection, and one rescued meal at a time.