Food Resolution – Earth Day 2022 | Gourmet party! | Laura Stec
By Laura Stec
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We interrupt our regular road trip for a tip of the hat on Earth Day, April 22.
Want to make something tasty to celebrate that also helps our beloved planet Earth? How about a food resolution? A deal with yourself to eat with more intention. One of the most important things we can do for the environment starts on our plate, and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
In Cool kitchen, mitigate global warmingwe discussed the top 5 ways our food system has affected global warming, by one of the first groups to study the issue in 2007, the University of California, Davis.
SamplePaul Hawkins’ 2017 book, confirmed and updated the list with 80 ways human actions contribute to global warming. We had a fairly lively discussion about this a few weeks ago. Eight of the top 20 are about food, and if you combine (#3) Reduce Food Waste with (#4) Plant-Rich Diet, food is easily the most effective way for you and me to get serious about reducing emissions. . The powerful aspect of food is how the changes can be a double whammy. Emissions can be reduced by action changes, but agricultural practices can also reduce and sequester carbon in the soil, making the solution a two- or two-way deal.
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Often people become action paralyzed by wanting to do everything and then follow through with little. Take one or two things and see how it goes – add more later. Here are some ideas, and please keep in mind,
If it’s not fun, it’s not done.
1. Plant a garden, grow herbs or start a compost pile
2. Start making broth or pickles from vegetables almost ready for the compost heap
3. Learn about caramelization, umami, and new cooking styles that enhance the flavor of plants.
4. Incorporate more whole grains (like quinoa and farro) and beans and legumes (like chickpeas, aduki, and lentils)
5. Commit to shopping at the farmers market every week or a few times a month
6. Visit a local farm and join their CSA food program
7. Volunteer at a food education organization like FoodWise in SF, or at a local farm like Pie Ranch on the coast.
8. Try cooking different cuisines to learn new spices and new ways to season plants.
9. Think of meat as a side dish
10. Try Meatless Monday
You want to know more ? Check out these Earth Day foodie events:
Earth Day in San Francisco with Chefs Zone
April 23, 2022
12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Valencia Street, 19th-21st Street, San Francisco
Local chefs will whip up healthy signature dishes all day long. Enjoy tasty organic and vegan dishes from the local slow food movement. Speakers discuss health and nutrition, best buying practices, the dangers of factory farming, and tackling toxic air, food, and water. Info click here.
Earth Day Party and Fair
April 24, 2022
Valley Presbyterian Church
Noon – 2 p.m.
945 Portola Road, Portola Valley
Join the Earth Care team to discover delicious plant-based foods and learn about the latest efficient innovations such as induction cooking. More here.
Food is Life Earth Day Celebration
From Friday 22 April to Saturday 30 April
The CIA in Copia
500 1st Street, Napa
W week filled with art exhibitions, classes, films and festivities. The Global Plant-Forward Culinary Summit will also be in session, from Tuesday April 26 to Thursday April 28
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