Sunday, September 10, 2017

Sustainable September 2017 - Day Eleven

SEPTEMBER 11 (MONDAY)

FOOD & STORAGE - MEAT FREE MONDAY

Hi everyone, 
How did you go with getting your coffee or tea today? I got to use my Keep Cups agan today and i love that they fit in our car cup holders. 

Now... Another week means another theme for the week. This week is all about Food and Storage. So everything to do with what you can do to minimise kitchen waste to how to choose more sustainable foods and eat healthier for your environment.

Sustainable September Day Eleven - Participate in Meatless (aka Meat Free) Monday.

Always a favourite Monday activity in our house, Meatless Monday is a wonderful way to reduce the amount of carbon footprint you have on the planet by reducing the quantity of meat you consume.

There are lots of reasons you might give up eating as much meat. One... it saves you a bunch of cash because meat is often the most expensive part of the meal. Two... the meal industry has been responsible for a lot of concerning practices when it comes to the care of its animals. Three... then there is the environmental impact of the meat.

In 2006 the Independent News wrote that "A United Nations report has identified the world's rapidly growing herds of cattle as the greatest threat to the climate, forests and wildlife. And they are blamed for a host of other environmental crimes, from acid rain to the introduction of alien species, from producing deserts to creating dead zones in the oceans, from poisoning rivers and drinking water to destroying coral reefs. The 400-page report by the Food and Agricultural Organisation, entitled Livestock's Long Shadow, also surveys the damage done by sheep, chickens, pigs and goats. But in almost every case, the world's 1.5 billion cattle are most to blame. Livestock are responsible for 18 per cent of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together." Read the article here.

Then there is the whole Carbon Footprint side to it too. What resources have gone into producing the meat?  How far has the meat travelled before it got to your plate? The smaller the distance your food travels from the farm to your plate, the better it is for the environment. Environmentally speaking reducing the amount of meat we consume, and therefore demand, has to help. It might not seem like it but it does make a difference.


If you enjoy TedTalks You might enjoy this one all about Meatfree/Meatless Monday and why it works. Its really interesting if you have 15 minutes.


Then you look at the waste that the meat packing industry creates. I know I throw out a whole bunch of plastic, in either plastic wrap, plastic tray or even polystyrene tray form. I buy in bulk to minimise the amount i am bringing into the house, but there is still a lot of plastic involved. Some Zero Wasters have found buchers who are willing to pack your meat into reusable containers, however not all meat specialists/buchers are willing to put their product into your containers.

For years now I have used the old meat trays after they have been washed, as palets for my paint and my artworks - its a nice way to reuse something that would otherwise be thrown into landfill. I can wash them many times and mix my paints on them. Its probably my favourite upcycled skill.

ACTIVITY: Be adventurous... Find an amazing vegetarian recipe and give it a go!

Sure it might not be something you would usually do, but being brave and giving something new a go, might mean that you find some new staples that can save you a bunch of cash (because you dont have to add meat) and are just as yummy. If you need any advice check out my Pinterest Board called Meatfree Mondays

I hope you enjoy this challenge,
Enjoy
love Daena x

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