FOOD TALK
Green is the new glittering gold
Despite being one of the happiest times of the year, Christmas also tends to be a season of excessive waste. This hits home more, especially with the current focus on clean eating and zero waste. Capturing the essence of a conscious Christmas does not necessarily equate to eschewing a slew of traditions. Small changes in our behaviours and daily habits can go a long way to ensure an indulgent yet responsible festive experience.
Having celebrated Christmas a few times in Switzerland, my discipline around waste and sustainability fast evaporates at the mere sights and smells of the many European Christmas markets set against the magical backdrop of cosy alpine lodges, snow-capped peaks and tall pine trees. My dream Christmas feast brims with glühwein, hot chocolate, fat grilled sausages wrapped in fresh sourdough, fondue Bourguignon, raclette, potato salad, cakes and log cakes. If I were in London and Scotland, the list would include pigs in a blanket or kilted sausages, Yorkshire puddings, mince pies, mounds of Scottish shortbread, mashed turnips, venison stew and the boozy Twelfth Night Cake.
But instead of just mindless feasting and merry making, composting, reducing plastic waste, giving upcycled or recycled gifts, better packaging materials, should be the buzzwords. Mindful eating doesn’t mean sacrificing; rather, it’s an opportunity to get more creative and consider plant-based options to offset the staggering quantity of meat consumed. In the U.S. alone, Christmas turkey consumption hovers around 22 million. Can you imagine the effect on the environment?
There are no lack of delicious vegetarian options, so consider a plant-based menu for one festive meal. Enjoy the seasonal turkey and ham fayre but why not have them as sides to stars like roasted Brussel sprouts with chestnuts, purple sweet potato latkes, and hot & sour Swiss chard for a change?
The International Food Loss and Food Waste Studies Group estimates that 74 million minced pies are thrown away each Christmas in the U.K. alone, along with approximately 4.2 million plates of turkey and trimmings. Given that food waste accounts for 20 percent of U.K.’S CO2 emissions, these numbers reflect a horrendous waste of time, resources and a huge impact on our planet. Last year, London launched its first
Zero Waste Christmas Market, offering eco-friendly products designed to meet the growing demand for more planet-friendly gift alternatives. This December, the market is scheduled to be held in Manchester, London and Brighton.
According to Refood, U.K.’S number one food waste recycler, if all the wasted food at Christmas last year was converted into energy rather than sent to landfill, the average mediumsized home could be powered for a staggering 57 years. That’s some serious food for thought. Is it possible to make concise shopping lists, buy local, serve smaller portions (to ensure fewer leftovers), be creative with vegetarian recipes, and use peelings for compost? Plant-based restaurant Farmacy in London’s Notting Hill is a leading force behind conscious eating through organic and biodynamic farming methods. Its Christmas menu last year was designed around minimal waste or plastic use, with highlights including an indulgent Christmas Bowl filled with whipped squash, winter spiced activated seeds, buckwheat and charred Brussel sprouts, while dessert was a decadent Chocolate Lava Cake with salted caramel ‘nice cream’ (dairy, refined sugar and additive-free). And we are just talking about food.
Did you know that even the elegant Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is eco-friendly? The giant 25-metre Norwegian spruce is decorated with energy-efficient LED lights instead of regular halogen bulbs. After the festivities, the tree is chipped and composted to make mulch, rather than thrown away.
We all like cute Christmas cards, festive decorations and presents packaged in beautiful wrapping paper. But what if you knew that this paper usage leads to approximately 12 million litres of biofuel wastage - enough to power a bus to go to the moon 20 times? Paper is recyclable; wrapping paper isn’t because it contains plastic, dye, foil, glitter or cello tape. Why not ditch the pre-packaged materials this year and get creative making your own DIY decorations? Ditto for wrapping presents in scarves that can double up as another present, hence totally avoiding wrapping paper. It’s fun, cheaper and so thoughtfully handmade.
A conscious Christmas is the perfect time to show family and friends that less can actually be more – more fun, more ecofriendly and more thoughtful. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you rack up both brownie and greenie points while having fun and spending quality time with your loved ones these holidays. Merry Christmas!