By Marni Wasserman last edited 4-7-2024
A good planet is hard to find! It's time to get environmental and think about zero food waste and what you can do to be part of the solution and keep Mother Earth a beautiful place to live!
The planet needs our help, and we need to contribute in every, and in any, way we can. Focus on the environment and sustainability has been trending as awareness and concern grow across the nation. Today’s “throw-away society” is having a negative impact on our environment and space for garbage is running low.
One of the ways consumers have started to make a difference is by minimizing food waste. Food waste consists of edible food that is uneaten or thrown away. This includes food that is thrown away before best-before dates, but still okay to eat. Food waste comes in many forms and is a huge global issue.
How Can We Help The Earth?
We can start by changing our approach to buying. It’s time to move back to the basics and buy what you need, only when you need it. Make the most of the ingredients you have by thinking outside the box and how can you use up those ingredients already in your pantry.
Plan
Start planning your meals, as meal plans create less waste. Make a list before you go to the grocery store and only shop off the list; this will eliminate impulse buys. Limit the amount of meat you buy in a week as meat uses more resources to produce and is more harmful to the environment. Step away from buying packaged products, buy in bulk, and bring your own containers to the store and wherever you go.
Buy ugly produce that can be used in soups, stews, purees, muffins, smoothies, etc. Buy products local and in-season, and make sure to check the best-before dates. Say no to plastic bags, and bring your own reusable bag for grocery shopping. Sunwarrior's jute tote goes a long way toward whittling away the mountain of plastics towering over our society.
Compost
Start composting if you already don’t. Composting is a great way to use up food scraps and turn them into nourishment for your soil. Also, consider growing your own garden and herbs, and learn how to preserve the produce that is in excess. Food scraps are great for making soup broth.
Prepare
In the kitchen, prepare fresh produce ahead of time so you are more likely to eat it. You can prepare produce to freeze to use throughout the year in soups, smoothies, etc. Batch cook and freeze meals. Keep a minimalistic kitchen. It’s okay to not keep the fridge over-packed with food. Think of practicing food habits like our grandparents did: every part of the food item was used.
There are many zero waste recipes are available online or in cookbooks for ideas. Have fun and get creative in the kitchen! For food storage, make sure to store properly and keep note of what is in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Re-use glass jars to store dry goods, leftovers, etc.
Support Upcycled Products
Part of eliminating waste includes supporting upcycled products and foods.
Sunwarrior proudly announces the launch of Clear Protein Refresh, a groundbreaking product at the forefront of the nutritional revolution in protein consumption. Crafted from upcycled barley, Clear Protein Refresh delivers on Sunwarrior’s promise to be good for the body and the planet.
Upcycled Barley
But what exactly is "upcycled"? Upcycled barley epitomizes sustainability in the world of protein by rescuing the unused portion of barley from other products.
By utilizing spent barley, Sunwarrior is championing a protein source that requires less water for cultivation due to crops being able to pull double duty for multiple purposes, minimizes food waste, and results in a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
Clear Protein Refresh isn't just good for the planet; it's also a boon for health. This innovative protein blend provides a refreshing infusion of essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth, all while doubling as a refreshing, hydrating beverage when mixed with cold water.
- Innovation
- Protein boost
- Hydrating
- Aids digestion
- Sustainable
- Drink it anytime
Your Health Upcycled
Sunwarrior’s Clear Protein Refresh is not like your typical thick protein shake. Its color will come from the natural flavoring, but it’s light and refreshing thanks to its fine, dissolvable texture and 10g of protein per serving. Say goodbye to heavy, creamy textures and embrace the invigorating experience of Sunwarrior's Clear Protein Refresh.
BYO (Bring Your Own)
For going out to eat, bring your own cups, reusable straws, utensils, and containers. Support local businesses that are helping zero food waste. There are many low-food-waste stores popping up. You may find some restaurants and cafes that encourage bringing your own cups and offer discounts for doing so. Repurpose your leftovers to prevent those from being wasted.
Zero Waste Ideas
Have fun with your food waste! And when you make your own things, you are also eliminating packaging waste, which is awesome! Here are some creative ideas:
- Make herb infused oils
- Freeze veggie scraps until needed to make broth
- Reuse your almond milk pulp in smoothies
- Use the tops and stems of vegetables
- Preserve foods by fermenting, dehydrating, pickling, or canning
- Use up ingredients to make pesto, or sauté greens as a side dish
- Zest citrus fruits and freeze zest
- Buy fresh ginger, plant it, and then have it when you need it
- Roast seeds as a snack (pumpkin, squash, )
- Make your own nut and seed butters when needed
- Grind your nuts, grains into flour when needed
- Make your own salad dressing with ingredients you have
- Make your own condiments
- Make your own bread, muffins, cookies
- Make your own snacks like granola, granola bars, and trail mix
In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the concept of upcycled protein and zero waste has emerged as a promising solution to mitigate ecological harm. While the challenges facing our planet may seem daunting, each individual has the power to make a meaningful difference through simple yet impactful actions.
By embracing a lifestyle centered on upcycled food like Sunwarrior’s Clear Protein and zero waste principles, such as reducing food waste, choosing sustainable products, and advocating for environmentally conscious practices, everyone can contribute to the collective effort of protecting our precious Earth.
Together, let us seize the opportunity to be part of the solution, knowing that every positive choice we make today shapes a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow for all. You can start now by trying Sunwarrior’s Clear Protein Refresh and seeing how good upcycled protein can taste!
