They say cooking is the way to the heart, but you may not realize it can go a long way toward helping the planet as well. In fact, Science magazine reports that the world’s food system is responsible for about 25% of the planet-warming greenhouse gases that humans generate each year. As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we challenge ourselves—and you—to make a change that starts in the heart of our homes: the kitchen! Here, 5 climate-conscious changes to make when cooking.
1. Reduce Food Waste
There are several ways in which you can do this, and trust us, eating less is low on our personal list! The first is to store food properly starting with produce and meat. Next, organize your pantry and fridge so you know what you have and will neither duplicate items nor lose track of expiration dates. When you shop, plan your meals and make your list before you go to avoid impulse buys and always try to buy local when possible. Tip: Only buy in bulk if you’ll be able to eat what you buy before it expires; otherwise, it’s wasted food and money.
2. Creatively Repurpose
Of course, it never hurts to think of creative ways to use leftovers so you’re not eating the exact same meal for days (and listening to your family complain about it). But we’re not just talking about the usuals like making stale bread into croutons or using leftover chicken in a pot pie. Rather, ideas like using the tender broccoli stems/stalks in salads or chopping them up for soups and stews; juicing your leftover kale, Swiss chard, or collards; zesting lemons and limes then freezing for later; roasting squash seeds for a snack; and simply leaving the skin on veggies and fruits such as carrots, potatoes, apples, plums, and cucumbers (buying organic is recommended).
3. Vary Your Diet
The production of meat and dairy accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). That’s not to say you should give up steaks and burgers for good but, perhaps limit meat to a couple of times a week. What’s more, there are health benefits to plant-based diets beyond the environment. Here are a few sustainable recipes to get you started.
4. Use Eco-Friendly Packaging and Storage
There’s the easy stuff like switching to reusable grocery bags and avoiding plastic straws, utensils, plates, and—gasp!—those plastic water bottles. But really think about where else you use plastic in your kitchen. What’s that organic chicken wrapped in? In what type of container are those leftovers stored? Don’t beat yourself up over it; it’s the same in our kitchen! Instead, let’s think of ways to adjust when we cook. For example, use glass storage bowls instead of plastic wrap, and try reusable silicone covers like these from Unwasted. And when grocery shopping, buy condiments, beverages, and other items in glass containers when possible, then instead of buying individually wrapped items, buy the biggest full-sized option and portion it into reusable to-go containers at home.
5. Compost Like It’s Your Job
Regardless of how hard you try, there will still be some waste—and that’s what composting is for! It recycles nutrients back into the environment, which keeps that food out of landfills and waterways; plus, it makes your garden greener! (So that’s what your neighbor’s trick is, right?) You don’t have to live on a farm or have a big backyard to do this either. In fact, many communities have local composting programs. Here’s a great resource on Where to Compost in Texas, which includes a link for other states as well.
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