Get green habits
These next examples may give you some new ideas on how to transform your food consumption from harming the environment and manage water supplies responsibly.
3. Water in households
In Europe, we often take running water for granted. However, not everyone is so fortunate. While saving water at home won't directly help those in need, being mindful of our usage can help preserve this valuable resource for future generations. Simple upgrades like changing shower heads and toilets to more efficient models, turning off water while shaving or brushing teeth, and reusing greywater or rainwater can all make a big difference, especially if you live in an area with low water supply.
Living in a family house has pros and cons for emissions. The advantage is having space to install water-saving equipment. Installing underground tanks can collect rain and grey water separately (unless filtered). The water can be reused for garden irrigation, toilet flushing, and washing, saving hundreds of litres per month. Rainwater can be used throughout the house if drinking quality isn't required. Many overlook this tangible idea. A professionally installed rainwater harvesting system can save up to 56% on water and sewer bills.
Aquaponics systems at home
A perfect solution to grow organic food at home with minimal impact on your environment. This system combines the principles of sustainable food and water management, it is a mixture of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in the water). This closed-loop system requires 90% less water than traditional agricultural methods. Although the whole concept is very appealing, sustainable, provides fresh nutritious food, reduces water usage it may not be the perfect do it yourself project for every family, before investing in one it is important to clarify things and answer to questions like: Why do you want to have an aquaponics system? What plants or fish are you planning to grow and raise? Are you going to eat your fish? Do you have the space for it? Be aware that in an inside location it can cause humidity and plants need light to grow. Based on your answers we recommend you read this article which might help you with your decision.
Living in a family house has pros and cons for emissions. The advantage is having space to install water-saving equipment. Installing underground tanks can collect rain and grey water separately (unless filtered). The water can be reused for garden irrigation, toilet flushing, and washing, saving hundreds of litres per month. Rainwater can be used throughout the house if drinking quality isn't required. Many overlook this tangible idea. A professionally installed rainwater harvesting system can save up to 56% on water and sewer bills.
 Source: LINK |
Aquaponics systems at home
A perfect solution to grow organic food at home with minimal impact on your environment. This system combines the principles of sustainable food and water management, it is a mixture of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in the water). This closed-loop system requires 90% less water than traditional agricultural methods. Although the whole concept is very appealing, sustainable, provides fresh nutritious food, reduces water usage it may not be the perfect do it yourself project for every family, before investing in one it is important to clarify things and answer to questions like: Why do you want to have an aquaponics system? What plants or fish are you planning to grow and raise? Are you going to eat your fish? Do you have the space for it? Be aware that in an inside location it can cause humidity and plants need light to grow. Based on your answers we recommend you read this article which might help you with your decision.
 Source: LINK |
2. Avoid Food Waste
Planning meals, shopping smart, cooking waste-free and storing food correctly reduces food waste and saves money.
Planning
To minimise food waste, it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Planning is crucial in achieving this goal. By making a food plan you can save both time and money, using what you already have and buying only what is necessary. A good plan involves assessing your current supplies, scheduling your meals, and identifying what you need to purchase. If planning every meal seems overwhelming, consider preparing for a few days or just your weeknight dinners.
Shopping
By shopping wisely, you can prevent wasting thousands of dollars a year on discarded food. To achieve this, keep in mind a few basic principles. Before heading to the store, make a list of what you need to purchase and check your fridge and cupboards to know what you already have. Plan your meals around in-season food as it is usually less expensive and has a longer lifespan due to its freshness.If you struggle to stick to your list while shopping, try to avoid shopping when you're hungry or with children, as this increases the likelihood of making unnecessary purchases.
Lastly, keep in mind that bulk-buy deals or two-for-one specials are only a good value if you actually use everything included. If it ends up in the trash, it's not a bargain.
Cooking
Cooking without waste is simple and enjoyable. The best strategies to cook without waste include planning meals, using up ingredients creatively, and cooking the right amount to avoid leftovers, or make leftover meals a part of your plan. Meal planning saves time and stress, and helps to reduce food waste. If you have spare ingredients or leftovers, be creative and find recipes that use those. Preparing larger portions for freezing or lunch can save food, money, and time. Don't give up on seemingly hopeless food items, as there may be ways to use them. If leftovers are a result of picky young eaters, there are many ways to engage children in the cooking and eating process to prevent food waste.
Disposal
While two-thirds of household food waste could have been avoided, there are always certain items that are unavoidable such as avocado skins, egg shells or coffee grounds.
These scraps still have valuable nutrients that can be put back into the system rather than going to waste and ending up in landfill.
There are a range of ways you can ensure unavoidable food waste is put to good use rather than ending up in the rubbish bin – see some examples below:
Avocado seed & peel:
Bread crusts: Bread crusts can be used to make croutons, breadcrumbs, or as a base for a bread pudding.
Meat bones: Bones from meat like chicken, beef, or pork can be used to make broth or stock, which is a great base for soups and stews.
How to Make Bone-Meal | creative explained - YouTube
Fruit and vegetable peels for snacks: Peels from fruits like apples, pears, and mangoes, and vegetables like sweet potato and beetroot can be dried and turned into healthy snacks. Simply cut the peels into thin strips, coat them with olive oil and seasonings, and bake them in the oven until crispy.
Melon Peels Hacks | creative explained - YouTube
Broccoli stalks for salads or stir-fries: The stalks of broccoli are often discarded, but they are actually packed with nutrients and can be used in salads or stir-fries. Simply slice them thinly and use them in place of other vegetables
Planning
To minimise food waste, it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Planning is crucial in achieving this goal. By making a food plan you can save both time and money, using what you already have and buying only what is necessary. A good plan involves assessing your current supplies, scheduling your meals, and identifying what you need to purchase. If planning every meal seems overwhelming, consider preparing for a few days or just your weeknight dinners.
Shopping
By shopping wisely, you can prevent wasting thousands of dollars a year on discarded food. To achieve this, keep in mind a few basic principles. Before heading to the store, make a list of what you need to purchase and check your fridge and cupboards to know what you already have. Plan your meals around in-season food as it is usually less expensive and has a longer lifespan due to its freshness.If you struggle to stick to your list while shopping, try to avoid shopping when you're hungry or with children, as this increases the likelihood of making unnecessary purchases.
Lastly, keep in mind that bulk-buy deals or two-for-one specials are only a good value if you actually use everything included. If it ends up in the trash, it's not a bargain.
Cooking
Cooking without waste is simple and enjoyable. The best strategies to cook without waste include planning meals, using up ingredients creatively, and cooking the right amount to avoid leftovers, or make leftover meals a part of your plan. Meal planning saves time and stress, and helps to reduce food waste. If you have spare ingredients or leftovers, be creative and find recipes that use those. Preparing larger portions for freezing or lunch can save food, money, and time. Don't give up on seemingly hopeless food items, as there may be ways to use them. If leftovers are a result of picky young eaters, there are many ways to engage children in the cooking and eating process to prevent food waste.
Disposal
While two-thirds of household food waste could have been avoided, there are always certain items that are unavoidable such as avocado skins, egg shells or coffee grounds.
These scraps still have valuable nutrients that can be put back into the system rather than going to waste and ending up in landfill.
There are a range of ways you can ensure unavoidable food waste is put to good use rather than ending up in the rubbish bin – see some examples below:
Avocado seed & peel:
- regrow an avocado plant
- use the skin in smoothies
- drink avocado tea
- make avocado powder
- avocado skins into plant pots
- use it as a biodegradable seed starter: fill the skin with soil, plant your seed, and watch it grow; when the seedling is ready to be transplanted, simply place the entire avocado skin and seedling into the ground.
| Eggshells: Calcium-rich eggshells can be crushed and used as a soil amendment for plants, or added to compost to enrich the soil. How to Extract Calcium from Eggshells | creative explained - YouTube Coffee grounds: Used coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen and can be added to compost, used as a natural fertiliser for plants, or mixed with soil for gardening. How to use Coffee Grounds as Plant Food | Natural Fertilizer - creative explained - YouTube |
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Bread crusts: Bread crusts can be used to make croutons, breadcrumbs, or as a base for a bread pudding.
Meat bones: Bones from meat like chicken, beef, or pork can be used to make broth or stock, which is a great base for soups and stews.
How to Make Bone-Meal | creative explained - YouTube
Fruit and vegetable peels for snacks: Peels from fruits like apples, pears, and mangoes, and vegetables like sweet potato and beetroot can be dried and turned into healthy snacks. Simply cut the peels into thin strips, coat them with olive oil and seasonings, and bake them in the oven until crispy.
Melon Peels Hacks | creative explained - YouTube
Broccoli stalks for salads or stir-fries: The stalks of broccoli are often discarded, but they are actually packed with nutrients and can be used in salads or stir-fries. Simply slice them thinly and use them in place of other vegetables
1. Growing your own greens indoor
| Grow your own food. It doesn’t have to be more than just one or two plants in pots in the window. Indoor gardening doesn't need to be overly complicated. It is generally regarded as growing a selection of plants inside that you would typically grow outside—whether it be fruits, vegetables, herbs, or flowers. If you have the right space and set up indoors, it can be less time-consuming and more successful to cultivate a garden indoors. It is easier to regulate the temperature and manage conditions to ensure your plants can thrive. You just need to make sure you select plants suited to the place you plan to grow them. If you get the conditions right, it also means that you can have access to things like veggies or herbs year-round, unlike in many outdoor gardens when the temperature determines the growing season. |
 Source: LINK |
Or check out this guys ideas:
creative explained - YouTube
