I generally keep this space set aside for my crafts, recipes, and other domestic going-ons, but back in December I heard a radio program that I haven’t been able to get off my mind and thought I’d share it here to get your thoughts. It was a story on Talk of the Nation entitled, “As Global Population Grows, Water Matters More”. (The audio and transcript are online, you can access both here.)
J and I have long been concerned with our consumption, and try to be good stewards of the resources we’ve been given. A few years back we even spent a year blogging our experience of trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle by changing just one thing (large or small) each week. It was a rich and rewarding experience that continues to shape our home life today. However, it is so, so easy to slip back into rhythms that are not mindful of our call to be carers of the creation entrusted to us, and this radio program was a good reminder for me. At one point the guest on the program (Jason Clay, senior vice president of market transformation, World Wildlife Fund) shared that 1/3 of the calories produced on the planet are never eaten by people. That is astonishing to me when so many around the world go through each day malnourished. And then I got to thinking about the waste in our own home, and if I’m honest I have to admit that at least 1/4-1/3 of the calories in our home are likely wasted as well. It seems like we are constantly throwing out leftovers, even when they are still good, simply because we’re tired of the dish. Equally, a lot of food does go off as it is easy to cook too much and end up with food going bad. Neither option is good.
So, as part of a New Year’s resolution of sorts, J and I are striving to have zero food waste. That means being extra vigilant when planning meals and buying groceries, using up what we have before purchasing more, and composting scraps. I’m also currently looking for ideas of how to use up vegetable scraps. You know, the bits of veggies that really are edible, but we throw away because it’s easier than trying to figure out what to do with potato peelings, broccoli stems, and other odds and ends. Any thoughts? If any of you have clever uses I’d love to hear them!
Okay, enough of my ramblings. It’s so easy to get mired down in guilt and despair, but that doesn’t do anyone any good. I’m much more interested in taking small, positive steps in our own home. This is an area I’m so passionate about and I’d love to hear your thoughts and practices. Anyone have any good ideas for limiting the amount of food waste in your own home?