We often think of fighting climate change as overwhelming, fraught with sacrifice and self-deprivation. It doesn't have to be that way!
We are consulting with climate scientists, behaviour experts, and carbon footprint calculators, to bring you lifestyle tips that are low-effort changes in the way we travel, shop, and eat. These changes can impact your ecological footprint and help you more deeply enjoy what you already have.
Food is a great starting point for taking personal action against climate change. Our food production, packaging, transportation, and meals, account for a staggering 50% of our “ecological footprints”.
This month’s Lighter Living focus is Food Waste. We hope you find tips and tricks that work for you and your household! We would also love to hear about your hacks.
Over the coming months, we'll explore a variety of themes and provide simple evidence-based actions that are good for you, our community, and the planet.
From Fridge to Fresh: How Salt Spring Neighbours Are Reducing Their 'Foodprint'
Ever feel guilty tossing out food that went bad before you could use it? You’re not alone, and it’s more impactful than you might think. Food waste accounts for 50% of our ecological footprint in southwest B.C.!
But the good news? Small changes in how we shop, store, and consume food can make a huge difference.
Want to hear how your Salt Spring neighbours are reducing their 'foodprint' and get tips on how you can do the same? Check out the Driftwood article in our Lighter Living series and start making a difference today!
How Are Salt Springers Tackling Food Waste?
Did you know?
That 40% of our landfill is food waste?
The average Canadian household wastes about $28 in groceries every week? Every week! You might as well just throw out an entire bag of groceries as soon as you get it home.
Each household throws away about $1500 worth of food per year.
Patti Wardlaw’s Journey to Zero Food Waste
Discover how Patti Wardlaw's Speedibin composting system is turning food scraps into garden gold and reconnecting her family with the earth.
"I would not call myself an environmentalist, but the more I'm doing this (growing organic food) the more I'm becoming one. One of the reasons why we are so disconnected and we're making such bad decisions for the planet is that we've lost our connection to the earth and what the earth is supposed to provide us." - Patti Wardlaw
Watch the video to see how simple changes can make a big difference!
ESSENTIAL WASTE-WISE TIPS
Discover simple strategies to cut down on food waste and save money!
MEAL PLAN
If you do nothing else on this list, DO THIS ONE. Hands down, meal planning is the best way to minimize waste and save money. Plan everything you will eat during the week, even snacks, then only buy what’s on your list.
PLAN FOR LEFTOVERS
Most leftovers only keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you’re making something that you know will produce leftovers, either eat them for lunch or dinner the next day or portion and freeze.
KNOW YOUR BESTS
“Best before” dates refer to quality - the taste and texture promised by the manufacturer whereas “use by” refers to food safety. It’s not a good idea to consume food after its use-by date.
KEEP TAKEAWAY CONTAINERS IN THE CAR
Keep takeaway containers in your car for unexpected leftovers, better yet, add utensils, a cup and cloth napkins to avoid single-use plastics.
AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS
You don’t have to spend lots of money on fancy containers. Save airtight glass or plastic jars from other foods. Wash them very well first. As long as the container is airtight, it will help preserve the shelf life of your food.
PRACTICE FIFO
FIFO is the “first in, first out” rule.
The first thing you put into the fridge should be the first thing taken out. Don’t use newly purchased foods until older foods have been used up.
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE
Already a food waste superstar? Are you ready for a deeper dive?
Check out these great resources:
Special Thank You To Our Lighter Living Food Supporters!
Do you have a #LighterLiving story you'd like us to share?
Tell us what actions you're taking to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
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