FOOD – The one day a week Veggie.

Of course I like food, who wouldn’t? It is more than just essential for our biological functions; it is life, passion, flavour, spice and indulgence.

Now, this is a blog about my “eco” life. Food IS part of my journey from unconscious to conscious consumerism so how can food play a part?  I know that this is not earth shattering news but for me the penny only clicked the other day. I was reading New Scientist, I can’t quite recall the article but it was discussing the merits of food miles with respect to global warming.   The comment was made that anyone serious about trying to reduce their carbon footprint should try to go “Veggie” at least once a week. This resonated with me.

I remember back in school. I would have been around 14 when I challenged my good friend to a debate about the merits of vegetarianism. At that point I hated vegetables (ask my mum….) I was firmly in the meat eating camp with BOTH FEET! I have not done mountains of research on this issue but it is only just occurring to me now that eating meat (often) is probably not a great thing to be doing to our environment – even my 4 year old told me that “COWS FART” (I did explain that there were better words that she could have chosen) I did however, take the comment on board.

Last week and completely un-related to this blog, I went out with friends to a vegetarian restaurant. The food was delicious, fresh and tasty (of course!) The evening gave me a chance to discuss going meat free with my husband and our friends.  My husband is not that fond of meat and agreed that we should give it a go.  Our friends were already on the veggie wagon and were pretty supportive of our plan – the only disclaimer being that I was advised to plan ahead and give myself more time to cook while I get into the swing of it (great, where do I find any more time in my 24/7 existence???).   Not too Perturbed, I decided that this challenge was one that we would take up! We are going veggie one day a week (at least).

Well, my meal out at the Vegetarian restaurant was on Friday and I have since had two meat free meals. I am LOVING fetta cheese with pumpkin and rice and for the quick and lazy nights there is always cheese or beans on toast. I am sure that as the weeks go on my repertoire will grow (fingers crossed my waist line won’t).

 

Green Partying for Kids

Well, I survived the birthday party! It has taken me a day of two to pick cake out of the carpet, collect up the various bits of gift wrapping and glitter and get through the mountain of washing up but I have to say it was fun. Now before I go any further I have to say that my daughters birthday party was not totally “green” BUT it was definately a step in the right direction.

I have been concious of my carbon footprint now for around a month and I am finding that once you turn on the green radar it is hard to turn it off. My challenge on Monday was to hold a birthday party for my now 7 year old without bowing to the god of plastic and pre-packaged stuff…..

Step 1 : Home cook what you can.

I was reasonably proud of my efforts here. Home made pizza (including dough), Garlic bread, jacket potato’s, beans and fruit salad for desert.  Very little plastic in sight and the kids did actually eat (making funny faces out of fruit was a winner).  I did buy in a large bag of potato chips, marsh mallows and birthday cake (I am no Delia Smith) as I simply didn’t have enough time to do everything.

Step 2 : Serve food and drink on re-usable crockery.

I avoided the throw away plastic here by not bowing to the “Must have” branded tableware. I am convinced that the kids don’t care  either way – they were more interested in running riot!

Step 3: If you must have one, make your own Piniata

Probably not essential in a truly “GREEN” party but we are alowed to have some fun!   We managed to turn some cereal packaging and other household tubs into a “lego” style Piniata person. It was filled with the usual junk but at least the packaging was pre-loved and not just bought for effect. Again, the kids loved it!

Step 4 : Avoid Party bags.

I did  buy a going home gift (from a science store, aimed at inspiring the kids to experiment). Some plastic was involved but wrapping paper was not. I used old newspaper to create a lucky dip and the kids simply carried their winnings home – no bag required.

Step 5 : Play outdoors.

I did have a few things organised for the kids – the lego robotics was the main attraction but following that was a hefty dose of free time to run wild. I really think that kids have too much structured play and not enough time to create their own little games. Why is this “green”? Playing outside makes less mess, uses no electricity and encourages them to connect to the real world!

Not earth shattering stuff I know but it is amazing how we go through life on auto pilot most of the time, packing our trolleys with stuff that we really don’t need. My attempt at a “Green Party” would probably rank at 5/10 – definately room for improvement but it has heightened my awareness another notch.   I vow that with each event I will try to add more “green” touches, every little helps……