Zero-Waste Cooking Movement

Tips for Reducing Food Waste at Home

Reducing food waste starts with small, conscious decisions. Shopping with a list ensures you only buy what you need, avoiding unnecessary purchases. Never go grocery shopping when hungry; hunger can lead to impulse buys that may not align with your meal plans. Be skeptical of promotions like “buy three, pay for two”—if you only need one, resist the temptation. It’s better for your wallet and the environment.

4 Delicious Recipes That Use Every Part of the Ingredient

Zero-waste recipes get creative with traditionally discarded parts of ingredients, like beet greens, carrot tops, and broccoli stems. These recipes will guide you in making the most out of your produce:

1. Root to Leaf Beet Salad
   Utilise the entire beet plant in this vibrant salad, combining roasted beets with sautéed beet greens and a sprinkle of goat cheese
2. Broccoli Stem Slaw
   Transform broccoli stems into a crunchy, tangy slaw, perfect as a side dish or atop sandwiches.
3. Carrot Top Pesto
   Instead of pine nuts, use carrot tops for a fresh, herbaceous spin on the classic pesto.
4. Vegetable Peel Chips
   Don’t toss those peels! Toss potato, carrot, or parsnip peels with a little oil and salt, and bake until crispy.

How to Repurpose Leftovers into New Meals

Leftovers can be the start of something delicious. A stir-fry can integrate last night’s veggies, or a frittata can incorporate various odds and ends from the fridge. The key is to view leftovers as ingredients for new creations, not just reheated afterthoughts.

Challenge for Readers to Try Zero-Waste Cooking for a Week

I challenge you to embrace zero-waste cooking for just one week. You’ll be amazed at the flavours you can create and the satisfaction of reducing your tiny footprint. Share your journey and inspire others to consider their kitchen habits.

Is Zero-Waste even Possible?

Achieving zero-waste is an aspirational goal, and while it may not be entirely possible for everyone, striving towards it can significantly reduce waste. Every small action counts. It’s really important and I cannot stress this enough, never tell people what to do. If you do it, then do it for yourself. As long as the major countries around us don’t participate, you alone can’t change a thing.

Grocery Shopping with a List

Always shop with a list to prevent food waste and save money. A list helps you stick to your meal plan and resist impulse buys.

Never Shop When Hungry

Shopping while hungry can lead to buying more food than necessary, often choosing less healthy options. Eat a snack before you go to stay focused on your list.

Resisting Promotional Traps

Beware of deals that encourage you to buy more than you need. Stick to your list, and don’t be swayed by clever marketing. Never buy three for the price of two, when you only need one.
If something is labelled “Action” it never means it’s cheap or cheaper than usual. It means that the store has an even higher profit on that product than on other days or weeks. So if you like the product, write down the price of the “Action” and wait a while, then compare the price when it’s “normal”. You won’t believe your eyes. And your wallet will love you for it.

Why Good Products Are Hard to Find in Stores

Stores often place high-profit items at eye level. To find healthier options or better deals, look on the lower shelves—it’s where the real treasures are often hidden. Especially in the two most visited grocery stores in Switzerland. It’s just ridiculous what I find on the easy accessible shelfs.

Becoming Resistant to Ads and Commercials

Educate yourself about marketing strategies, and you’ll become more resistant to them. Remember, ads are designed to sell, not to inform. Stay critical, and trust your knowledge and needs over flashy advertisements.