February 28th, 2010 Mary’s Green Tip of the month: Waste not. Want not.
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Bruce in
Blog Your Kitchen. Probably my favorite place – even if it’s your kitchen?! If you have me over – that’s probably where we’d congregate and, at some point during the visit, we’d probably talk about food and recipes.
Think about it – the kitchen is where the action takes place, right? Not only is it a place to hang out but it also provides sustenance and supports our daily need, to feed our bodies, and fulfill our cravings for… chocolate.
Have you ever thought about your kitchen as “eco-friendly”? Eating green, energy-efficient food prep, cleaning habits, using equipment made from sustainable materials, avoiding harmful chemicals in the products you use? I love this topic so I am sure you’ll see it pop up every now and again… and this particular blog is all about wasting not and wanting not.
I grew up listening to my mom reminding me to “know what I want when I go to the fridge.” Or giving useful advice like “turn the lights out when you are done using the kitchen.” And the old favorite, “eat everything on your plate or else you will not get dessert.”
My poor mom. I’d just roll my eyes, let out a huff and…do what I was told. She was right and still is right.
“Wasting” starts outside of the kitchen in the supermarkets. Have you ever stopped to notice the excessive packaging supermarket shelves? Unbelievable. What can we do?
Tip 1: When grocery shopping, take your own, cloth bags (or even used plastic bags) or buy one in the checkout line. Most grocery stores sell cloth bags.
Tip 2: If you don’t have access to a farmers market which is great way to get fresh food and support local farmers – and have to shop the local grocery store, then buy mainly fresh, unwrapped produce.
Tip 3. Buy in bulk- but not too much! If you are regularly throwing food away cut back on the quantity. It’s better to shop more often and buy less fresh food.
Tip 4: Reuse. Reuse. Reuse. …what you can, that is. Like old glass jars or bottles, grocery bags, and packaging you can’t avoid. And of course, eat leftovers.
Tip 5. Compost any uncooked organic waste (including cardboard and paper), and don’t fret if you don’t have a garden on which to spread your yummy compost. Even in big cities, many local farmers markets and organizations will gladly accept your compost.
Mary Miller is a pro-triathlete, eco-athlete and a Friend of FitPlanet. Look for her green tips, recipes, and musings in the months to come blog on the News page of the FitPlanet website. Share your ideas and thoughts on green livings with Mary at info@afitplanet.com .
