Mindful shopping, mindful living

The statistics for the amount of food being wasted in alarming . 40 percent of the food in our Kitchens is thrown into the trash .

If food waste were a country , it would be third third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after the USA and China. The micro-plastic that comes from plastic is thrown into the sea affecting the marine world, eventually being sent back into our soil. There is a sneaky way that they are getting into our system from tea bags to salt and water-bottles.

What can we do to help?

Monitor the amount of products coming in and the amount of wastage going out of your home .

You would be surprised by the amount of wastage we produce on a regular bases. Can you carry your own bottled water everywhere so that you don't buy additional plastic that you would later dispose. Carry your own mugs to Starbucks or your coffeeshop to prevent take away glasses being used, bags while shopping even when it isn't mandatory.

Recycle , Recycle, Recycle -While its always great to be in line with the current trends and buy, can you swap , reuse and give clothes to people who would appreciate and enjoy them as much as you do . Have siblings to share your clothes , shoes and jewelry with ? Its like two wardrobes for the price of one .

Monitor the food and the products that you buy.

Some products have pesky hidden ingredients that just shouldn't be consumed. Plastic in tea bags, chalk in saffron , oils and additives that are toxic not only for the body but for the environment in all.Look at the ingredients before you buy a product. Use the product/ produce completely .While I spend a lot of money in buying organic , very often everything from the rind to the seeds are used . Watermelon rind curry anyone ? The stalks of celery and cilantro can be used in broths and soups. Not only do they add to the flavor but they have a good amount of nutrients .

The freezer is your friend.

Want to eat mangoes or Litchees all year round. Buy and freeze them in small containers . That way they can be thawed and consumed when needed. Buy produce that you will use and that will freeze well. The rest can be stalked up when needed.