Cooking is a valuable skill that you cannot underestimate. You may not realize it at once, but talent in the kitchen can take you places. It’s also a great help in maintaining a healthy body and a happy home. But did you know you can also utilize your love for cooking to be kinder to the environment and to aid in alleviating global problems such as climate change and waste management? Nowadays, this is known by the term sustainable cooking.
What is sustainable cooking?
The concept was introduced by the United Nations (UN) as part of their Sustainable Development Goals program, a project that aims to make the future world a better place for everyone through initiatives to protect the planet and reduce poverty. Apparently, all of us in our own little way can aid in the realization of UN goals by making wise choices in our everyday life. One way to do that is by practicing sustainable cooking. This idea informs people that even the way we prepare and consume food has a huge impact on the environment. It is a challenge to be mindful of our food choices and practices.
Simple Tips to Cook Sustainably
Use less energy
Saving Mother Earth is mostly about conserving energy because the world needs to safeguard our dwindling resources such as water, gas, and oil. If you keep this need in mind while cooking, you may be more careful in using water and electricity. Small changes such as putting the lid on a pot so the food will cook faster and turning off the heat a few minutes before the food is cooked can already help in the goal of preserving energy.
Mind your waste
Waste management is another major world problem. The world is drowning with the amount of trash people throw every day. Sustainable cooking can help in reducing waste by trying to think of ways to use leftovers or scraps. It will also be good not to buy more food than you need to lessen the chance of wastage. Planning ahead and being a little more cautious, so you do not allow food to spoil before consumption, can also help.
Consume less meat.
Meat consumption is a major contributor to global warming. This is because livestock production greatly contributes to gas emissions which harm the environment. This means you can do the world great favor by reducing meat consumption. It can be as easy as vowing not to eat meat for one day in a week. You can also search for recipes that use alternatives for meat such as mushrooms or tofu. Your food may even taste more delicious and, in the end, you may even be healthier.
Support local farmers
Instead of turning to imported products, you can support your community by buying from local farmers. You may also want to choose agricultural products that are in season. Making this choice gives you access to cheaper, fresher and more nutritious fruits and vegetables because the products do not have to be transported from far places.
Sustainable cooking may sound difficult but it is simply making smart choices. It is also a reminder that small yet positive changes matter a lot. And that if everyone would shift to this responsible way of cooking, we can indeed save the world in time.
