This relatively simple dish requires some perseverance however, the result is so impactful it’s worth all the effort. Sharing this meal with friends and family makes it even more enjoyable. Many of these ingredients are interchangeable, so prioritise the ones that need using first to limit waste.
Serves 1 but can easily be adjusted.
Ingredients:
– 1 large handful of passion
– 1 cup of public transport and/or your own two feet
– 1 cup of better swap items (e.g. safety razors, bar soap, bamboo toothbrush)
– 1/2 cup of environmental understanding
– 1 tbsp of local resources
– A pinch of perseverance
Method:
1. Passion is the key to this dish. It is the base of everything and draws out the other flavours perfectly. Start by
roughly chopping and set aside.
2. For the main body of the dish, combine your public transport and walking (if able) into a large bowl. The ratios will depend on circumstance, but I would recommend a 25:75 split for a great outcome. If you’re in a smaller area, like me in Granada, a ratio of 1:9 would work even better.
Top tip! Keep an eye out for electric options – they really enhance the flavour.
3. Next, mix in your better swap items. These are simple substitutes for single-use plastics or items with short lifespans. Before making any swaps, ensure you use up what you already have. The most sustainable items are the ones you already own.
4. Sift some environmental understanding into the mixture. This enhances passion and encourages even more research into sustainability. Fold in slowly.
5. In a separate bowl, combine local sourcing with a pinch of perseverance. often takes a little more patience than simply nipping to the supermarket. However, most cities host a multitude of nearby markets, it just takes a quick search. Shopping locally helps reduce the carbon footprint of your food by cutting down on transportation, while also supporting local producers. The weekly Chana market or the monthly ecomercado are just two of the many options in Granada. They not only provide a more sustainable option but can also save some pennies!
6. Pour everything into a saucepan on a medium heat. Stir continuously for the entirety of your time abroad. It’s continuity that makes real impact.
7. Place into reusable containers (recycled old tubs are best) and make sure to eat any leftovers over the next couple of days.
8. For everyone’s least favourite part, to wash up run a bowl of water to lower water usage. I would recommend hemp sponges or bamboo brushes for cleaning as they are made to last. Use DIY paper towels made of cut-up old cotton t-shirts or old towels to dry.
And there you have it! A recipe for sustainability from beginning to end. I hope it brings deliciousness and positive change not only to the environment, but to you as well, as you continue on your environmental journey.
References:
https://www.cbs.de/en/blog/sustainable-living-tips-for-a-more-sustainable-lifestyle
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-best-food-markets-in-granada
https://www.ruralitud.org/iniciativas/ecomercado-de-granada
https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint
https://www.un.org/en/actnow/food
