Sadhbh Moore - Sustainable Kitchen: Projects, tips and advice to shop, cook and eat in a more eco-conscious way

Projects, tips and advice to shop, cook and eat in a more eco-conscious way

ABI ASPEN GLENCROSS
& SADHBH MOORE

We wanted to start with a little insight into our sustainability considerations for many of the things that a kitchen exists to process food ingredients. Each food group weve listed, or even ingredient, could have a whole book written about it; the myriad complex, nitty gritty things to look into when we really dissect each food and its sourcing, and how it links to environmental sustainability. We realise not everyone has the time, or desire, to go into that much detail. We have tried to capture some of the nuance and complexity of issues of food sustainability, but at a surface level, allowing readers to look into each topic in greater detail if they wish. Further reading suggestions and sources of information on all topics food sustainability are mentioned throughout the book (see ).

We embarked on our journeys into food and farming after discovering that the food and agriculture sector is one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters; it is estimated that up to one-third of all of agricultures emissions are attributed to animal production. If we want to live more sustainably we realized that we needed to start in our kitchens.

The term sustainable, in the context of this book, refers primarily to the environmental branch of sustainability, whereas sustainability in reality often refers to a balance between social, economic and environmental priorities. We hope it becomes clear throughout the book that while there may not necessarily be a definitive sustainable kitchen model, there are lots of actions you can take and considerations you can make in moving towards a more sustainable kitchen.

Of course, honing a more sustainable kitchen cannot alone save the planet, but it can at least empower. Collective individual actions add up and can help to reach the tipping point needed for measurable change. But maybe more importantly, it can help reduce a feeling of helplessness, and sometimes guilt, that many of us may have experienced. We hope to furnish readers with a new hobby, ultimately. Some of these guides, practices and recipes can hopefully become part of your day-to-day, and can help in the transition towards a more hopeful, inspired, inquisitive approach to environmental sustainability, food and the kitchen.

Striving for sustainability is a complex matter. Sometimes the ingredients, recipes or kitchen hacks mentioned will be focused on reducing environmental impact, and that choice may also be the optimum for social sustainability too using Fairtrade organic cocoa, for example. This may not always seem to be the most economically sustainable option for consumers, because Fairtrade cocoa can cost more than non-Fairtrade cocoa. Other times, by prioritizing environmental sustainability, it may also be the most economically sustainable option for us too buying secondhand or refurbished electronics, for example. This may not always feel like the most socially sustainable option will buying less mean more businesses dont survive?

Sustainable food was a hot topic, but there werent many opportunities to experience what a sustainable food system be like. We wanted to help bring it to the table and make it tangible, or technically, gustable, or tasteable. We saw that we could facilitate the intersection of science, activism and the food system, so began hosting food events. These events not only told the stories of food sustainability and suppliers, but also literally served up what it might look and taste like to diners.

For us at The Sustainable Food Story, running our kitchens and events with environmental sustainability at their core has had a dual effect of contributing to our economic sustainability.

We are minimalists. We aim to be frugal where needed. We focus on being resourceful and innovative. We are not very glamorous or flashy, but try to make up for that in creativity and detail. Although it may seem like aiming for a more sustainable kitchen will be an expensive endeavour, we hope that there is a balance in higher costs (perhaps of certain ingredients) versus money saving (shopping seasonally or secondhand) and expenses should level out.