Driving behavior change around food waste and composting.

We are Core Matter. We research the core causes of food waste, then design campaigns, products, programs, and services that help our communities reduce food waste easily.

Abstract graphic representing food systems and climate change

WHAT WE DO


Design campaigns

We create unique campaigns that capture attention and drive behavior change. Campaigns can demonstrate demand for policy reform. 

Create tools and kits

Kits make complicated tasks easy—they provide all necessary resources and a clear set of steps. 

Information design

Breaking down complex concepts into something visually engaging and understandable. 

Digital experiences

From websites to apps to immersive installations, digital experiences can maximize engagement and provide tools for effective change.

CURRENT PROJECT


How to improve composting rates in multifamily housing?

Organic matter that gets sent to landfill is a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Ideally, all that organic matter can be composted. 

The City of Oakland, CA, has an aggressive goal to improve composting rates. But rates actually haven’t increased in over 5 years. Multifamily housing has the lowest rate, and lowest rate of increase, of composting in all sectors. We see an opportunity here to fill the gaps, and engage with a key part of the community.

 

Working prototypes

Visual mock-ups of how to compost in the home.

A kit for apartments dwellers to help them compost easily and understand the impact of their actions

visual mock-ups for composting kits for landlords.

A kit for landlords and property managers to help ensure engagement

 

OUR PROCESS


We use a human-centered design process. This is a collaborative process that is driven by human needs. We talk to community members about their lived experiences, and experts like scientists, psychologists, engineers, and designers contribute perspectives and research. 


1. Define the problem

2. Research and interview

3. Ideate

4. Prototype

5. Test and iterate

6. Roll-out

Become a Core Matter Partner

 

Partner on a project

We are looking for folks to partner with. Do you have a project, or initiative you’d like to collaborate on? We’d love to hear from you.

Fund our projects

Passionate about tackling the climate crisis? You can help make our projects reality. Get in touch to learn more.

Join the team

We are currently a volunteer-based team. We are looking for more folks who can lend their expertise and passion. Check out our About page for more info.