Conscious Christmas: Cooking Eco
Simple ways to go-green this holiday season
When there are parties to host and dinners to roast; thinking about sustainable options can easily slip your mind. But it’s never too late to take up more green holiday traditions — and one of the best ways to do so is through cooking.
Check the label
Sustainability labels hold companies accountable, and help communicate to consumers what products are healthy for the planet. You can find many of these labels on products at your local supermarket, including the Rainforest Alliance Certified label. Also, consider buying local and selecting fruits and vegetables that are in season. Doing so helps reduce the energy it takes to produce and transport produce. Check out this season food guide.
Opt for mushrooms
Yes! Mushrooms are one of the most sustainable foods in the world — using the recycled by-product of other crops, as well as very little land and water. Pulses (beans, lentils, peas) and mussels are also considered sustainable foods to have this holiday season.
Not fantastic — plastic
Many holiday festivities often consist of large parties and larger feasts. This might make plastic packaging enticing (as few of us have a table set for 20), but it can have a devastating impact on the environment. Try to avoid plastic cups, utensils, plates, and baking dishes — and don’t forget your reusable shopping bags when heading out to the market.
Skip the beef
Meat contributes to climate change as it is one of the most carbon-intensive to cultivate. Not only does raising livestock require enormous amounts of land and other limited resources, livestock is one of the highest emitters of methane. Scaling back on your consumption or selecting a meat alternative can contribute to the preservation of land and biodiversity.
Plan ahead — watch the waste
In Europe alone, 88 million tons of food is thrown away every year during the holiday season — mostly because people buy too much. Try to avoid wasting food with a simple pre-and-post holiday cooking routine. First, plan your meals in advance — select your recipes, use up the food you already have at home, then purchase only what you need in a single trip to the store. Turn your leftovers into another meal — either for yourself or someone in need.
Give a meal
Over 800 million people will face food insecurity this holiday season. Fight global hunger by volunteering at your local soup kitchen, contributing to a food bank, or donating to humanitarian organizations fighting global hunger.
---
We’ve got more CONSCIOUS CHRISTMAS tips coming your way. Learn how to make this holiday greener than ever with VAKOVAKO.