The mission of Emerging Futures (EF) is to implement practical, scalable solutions at the local level to help reverse human induced climate destabilization. By encouraging citizens to minimize waste, and engaging stakeholders in food system optimization, we stimulate ecological economies and achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals set forth by the State of Oregon and the City of Ashland. In 2017, EF participated in an examination of GHG emission reduction strategies compiled by Project Drawdown. The rankings reflected each strategy’s effectiveness in reducing GHG emissions and reduction of food waste was ranked #3. Since then, EF has met routinely with volunteers to discuss opportunities and obstacles to waste reduction. We conducts community presentations, represents citizen interests on the climate crisis in public forums, and offers food waste reduction workshops for restaurants and other food-related institutions. EF consolidates resources and coordinates strategies for putting upstream waste reduction solutions into the mainstream. Through community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and tool-utilization, EF highlights the benefits of prevention, and facilitates residents and businesses to adopt low-waste materials management practices that save money, reduce emissions and increase quality of life.