Sustainability, Man!
Sustainability, Man!
We all need to eat, we all enjoy to eat. Why not take care of the earth while you’re at it? Honor the ingredients being used, as well as the resources and people it took to create such beauty.
What does practicing sustainability as a chef entail?
Cook with the Seasons
There has been growing recognition in the value of eating local. This means embracing seasonality. Recognizing and working in harmony with the natural rhythm of seasons not only enhances the quality and flavor of dishes but also underscores a chef's dedication to freshness, sustainability, and supporting local agriculture.
One easy way to cook with the seaons is to sign up for a local Community-supported agriculture (CSA) or crop-sharing program. These programs allow for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.
Reducing Waste
Reducing food waste is a paramount responsibility for chefs and homecooks alike. In a restaurant, this first begins with good inventory management, ensuring that there is a plan for perishables to be used in time.
Creativity in the kitchen is another powerful tool for waste reduction. Transforming surplus ingredients into innovative dishes or incorporating food scraps into stocks, sauces, or garnishes not only reduces waste but also showcases ingenuity. Compost buckets are our friends!
Recycling is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to conserve natural resources. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and metal, we can reduce the need for extracting and manufacturing new raw materials. This not only saves energy but also helps to preserve forests, protect habitats, and reduce the destruction of ecosystems.
Secondly, recycling plays a vital role in reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. When we recycle, we prevent waste from ending up in landfills where it can release harmful chemicals and contribute to the production of greenhouse gases.
Lastly, recycling promotes a more sustainable and circular economy. By reusing materials, we can create new products and reduce the demand for virgin resources. This not only saves money but also reduces the environmental impact of production processes. Overall, recycling is an essential practice that helps to protect the planet and create a more sustainable future.
To find more resources for recycling in CA, check out this website:
To find more resources for recycling in VT, check out this website:
https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/materials-mgmt/recycling