Mindful Summer Eating: Enhancing Your Meal Plan Delivery with Sustainable Practices
As summer unfolds its warmth and abundance, it's the perfect time to embrace mindful consumption practices that not only nourish our bodies but also honor the planet. Operating our business in a sustainable manner - socially, ecologically, and financially, is perhaps one of the hardest parts of being in the food business. As a meal delivery service, we strive to source the highest quality ingredients in the most sustainable manner. We also minimize our food and materials waste through leveraging services like Too Good To Go, and carefully sanitizing our insulated delivery bags for re-use. Our commitment to identifying opportunities to decrease our ecological footprint is ongoing. However, we believe that everyone has a role to play, which is why this blog will explore how you can implement mindful food-based practices in your day-to-day life towards a more sustainable future.
1. Incorporate Seasonality into your Consumption
In the culinary world, incorporating seasonality into our operations means utilizing what nature has to offer into our menus. In your day-to-day, this can mean complementing your meal plan deliveries with seasonal produce from local farmers' markets or your own garden. If you don’t have your own garden but are curious about it, it’s not too late to start your garden now! If you live in a condo, check out this article to get you started.
By embracing what nature offers at the peak of its freshness, you not only enjoy tastier meals but also support local agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
2. Thoughtful Customization
Take advantage of our menu options that align with your values of sustainability. Not all our dishes will incorporate seasonal ingredients, but you can vote with your dollar by choosing dishes that feature responsibly sourced ingredients. This practice can extend beyond your meal delivery services and into decisions you make at the grocery store, corner store, or in your broader shopping habits. Ultimately, there are many ways that your choices can make a difference in reducing environmental impact while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.
3. Eco-Friendly Hydration
Stay hydrated this summer by infusing your water with herbs, fruits, and vegetables sourced locally or from your own garden. This not only adds refreshing flavors but also eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles and reduces your carbon footprint.
4. Conscious Snacking
Pack snacks for your summer adventures in eco-friendly containers, such as reusable bags or containers made from sustainable materials. Fill them with seasonal fruits, nuts, and seeds for a nutritious and planet-friendly on-the-go snack that leaves no waste behind.
5. Mindful Consumption Practices
Before indulging in summer treats, pause to consider their environmental impact. Choose treats made with organic and ethically sourced ingredients whenever possible, and enjoy them in moderation to reduce food waste and support sustainable practices. Often sustainable products end up being better for you, too!
6. Cultivating Gratitude
Take a moment to appreciate the journey of your food, from the hands that grow it to the table where you enjoy it. When you consider the journey that our food makes from farm to table, you begin to appreciate the steps and people behind the process. Despite being incredibly important in our lives, did you know that food-based work is often one of the most undervalued professions? By cultivating gratitude for the nourishment we receive, we can develop a deeper connection to our food, people, and the planet.
7. Sharing the Journey
Invite friends and family to join you on your mindful eating journey. Share tips, recipes, and experiences to inspire each other to make sustainable choices that benefit both our health and the environment.
By supplementing your meal delivery service with mindful consumption practices, you can create a summer eating experience that nourishes not only your body but also your soul and the planet. Here's to a season of mindful eating, sustainable living, and connection with the world around us!