Dishing Up Sustainability: A Conversation with Food Writer Caroline Saunders

On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius Publishing, husband, father of nine, author, fisherman, backpacker, and aspirational musician based in the Central Valley of California, talks to Caroline Saunders, a Bleu-trained freelance food writer and recipe developer. Caroline is known for her work in climate-friendly cuisine, discusses sustainability practices that start at the end of the fork, emphasizing the importance of making eco-conscious choices in daily life. The discussion focuses on exploring sustainability in the kitchen and how individuals can become better stewards of the planet through their food choices.

 

Episode Highlights:

• 01:51: Caroline discusses the significant role of food in the global climate crisis, emphasizing that the food system contributes to about one-third of global carbon emissions annually.
• 02:39: Caroline talks about food waste and its impact on the environment, mentioning that food waste drives about 80% of global carbon emissions. She provides insights into the challenges of food waste and how individuals can address it.
• 04:20: The conversation shifts to practical tips for reducing food waste. Caroline introduces strategies like the "first in, first out" method and befriending the freezer to minimize waste.
• 05:44: Caroline addresses the issue of food waste, pointing out that 80% of global carbon emissions come from food waste. She provides practical tips, like the "first in, first out" method, to reduce food waste at the household level.
• 09:48: Christopher addresses the issue of increasing meat consumption and its implications and asks Caroline about practical steps and considerations for reducing animal product intake.
• 10:08: The focus turns to the environmental impact of consuming animal products. Caroline emphasizes the importance of making more sustainable choices, such as opting for chicken over red meat, eggs over chicken, and so on.
• 11:42: Caroline highlights the connection between biodiversity, health, and longevity. She mentions the "Blue Zones" concept, where regions with centenarians share commonalities like plant-forward diets.
• 12:08: Christopher shifts the conversation towards healthier eating and asks Caroline for guidance on starting a journey towards a more sustainable and healthy diet.
• 14:30: Caroline introduces the concept of climate-friendly desserts. She explains her passion for sustainable dessert recipes, emphasizing plant-forward desserts and using leftovers creatively for desserts.
• 17:32: Caroline delves into the role of dessert in sustainability, discussing plant-forward desserts and the versatility of desserts in utilizing leftover ingredients.

 

Key Points:

1. Food contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, prompting the need for sustainable eating practices.
2. Reducing food waste and shifting towards plant-based diets are pivotal in combating climate change.
3. Lowering meat consumption, especially red meat, is essential for both personal health and environmental sustainability.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

• "Health and sustainability go hand in hand. A plant-forward diet not only benefits us but also nurtures the biodiversity crucial for a resilient food system." - Caroline
• "Every meal is an opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet. Small changes in our food choices today lead to a healthier and more sustainable future tomorrow." - Christopher
• "Desserts aren't just sweet treats; they're solutions. Embrace climate-friendly ingredients and turn leftovers into a delightful part of your sustainability journey." - Caroline

 

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• https://www.caroline-saunders.com/
• https://palebluetart.substack.com/
• Podcast Editing