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 $700 million in additional profit to our merchant partners and $300 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

Based on 2021 data, Upside retired more CO₂ offsets than many of the nation’s largest and most prominent companies, ahead of Microsoft and General Motors, and right behind Disney. 

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Since 2016, Upside has offset over 2.5 million metric tons of CO₂ emitted from fuel purchases through the Upside platform; that’s equivalent to taking about 500,000 cars off the road for one year. 

In 2021 alone, our contribution increased by more than double year over year, enabling us to offset over 360,000 metric tons, and we are on pace to offset 2x that amount in 2022. 

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. 

In the one year that our food rescue initiative has been live, we’ve rescued more than 450,000 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.