Discover the magic of zero waste cooking: creative recipes for using leftovers and sustainability
Kira Zabe
August 18, 2024
The kitchen is a place where a lot of waste is produced. Cardboard or plastic food packaging, spoiled food (the Smantry app could be your game changer here), leftover food and even cleaning can generate waste. For example, I'm always amazed at how much outer packaging we have to throw away after shopping (I'm working on it). The zero waste kitchen or the almost zero waste kitchen is actually an integral part of sustainability. The aim is to declare war on unnecessary waste - and to get creative when cooking. However, I would like to say right away that this is not about perfection. I think a kitchen where there is no waste at all is a nice idea, but far from reality. Not everyone has an unpackaged store nearby and doesn't regularly get to shop at the weekly market. Your zero-waste kitchen has to be practical for you.
The packaging issue
I'll start with this topic right away. Many supermarkets and even discount stores now offer fruit and vegetables without outer packaging. If you can, it's better to buy this instead of pre-packaged fruit, especially if you need smaller quantities. Some supermarkets also have filling stations for dry food. The disadvantage of this is that you have to bring suitable containers from home. In addition, the number of supermarkets and discount stores that have such filling facilities for loose food is still small.
Using leftover vegetables: Soup magic and vegetable dishes
Leftover vegetables or vegetables that urgently need to be processed don't have to end up in the bin either. You can turn what's still good into a delicious stew or a colorful vegetable pan - with meat, of course. Celery or leek ends are perfect for making a wonderfully aromatic vegetable soup. Or how about a creative vegetable pan? Broccoli stalks, kohlrabi leaves or bell pepper seeds don't have to end up in the bin, but can be turned into a tasty dish. Dry bread doesn't have to go straight in the bin either (unless it's moldy). You can turn it into breadcrumbs or bread chips, for example. To do this, cut the bread into thin slices (so it must not be completely hard), coat with a marinade, for example olive oil, salt and garlic, and bake in the oven (fan oven) at 180 degrees for approx. 10 minutes.
Creative uses for leftover fruit: smoothies and fruit jam
You can easily blend overripe fruit into delicious smoothies or boil it down into a sweet fruit jam. To make smoothies, cut the fruit into small pieces and blend finely with water. The advantage is that, unlike with ready-made smoothies, you have full control over what's in them. This is because smoothies from the supermarket or discount store are heated to a high temperature to preserve them, which is why the nutrient content can be lower. The nice thing about it is that you can blend anything into a smoothie.
Using up leftovers when baking: Banana bread muffins and crunchy muesli bars
The classic way to use up overripe bananas is probably banana bread or banana bread muffins. Dried fruit, nuts and leftover chocolate (do such things actually exist?) can be turned into crunchy muesli bars.
Reducing packaging waste: sustainable shopping and DIY cleaning products
A zero waste kitchen not only involves avoiding food waste, but also packaging waste. If you can, look for packaging-free products when shopping and buy from local farmers' markets or weekly markets. Bring your own reusable bags and help to reduce packaging waste. Another life hack for the zero waste household is homemade cleaning products. With simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda or essential oils, you can make effective and environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Baking soda all-purpose cleaner
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons baking soda
700 ml warm water
1 teaspoon of liquid soap or washing-up liquid (optional, for extra grease dissolving power)
10-20 drops of essential oil of your choice (e.g. lemon, lavender or tea tree oil for additional antibacterial effect and fragrance)
Instructions:
put the baking soda in a spray bottle. Add the warm water. Close the bottle and shake vigorously until the baking soda has completely dissolved.
add the liquid soap (if using) and the essential oils. Shake the bottle again to mix everything well.
spray the solution onto the surface to be cleaned. Leave it on for a short time, especially for stubborn stains or dirt. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth or sponge. For shiny surfaces such as glass or mirrors, rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, dry cloth to avoid streaks.
store the cleaner at room temperature and shake well before each use. Note that the mixture may lose effectiveness over time, so it is best to use it within a month.
Tips:
Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage any surfaces.
For particularly stubborn stains or soiling, baking soda can also be sprinkled directly onto the affected area and worked in with a damp cloth or sponge before wiping off.
This cleaner is versatile and is suitable for work surfaces, kitchen appliances, bathroom surfaces and much more. However, it is not suitable for use on delicate materials such as marble, as the baking soda can be slightly abrasive.
New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! 🌱📲
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!
Sustainable barbecue – how to make your BBQ eco-friendly & delicious
The sun is shining, the evenings are getting longer – it's finally BBQ season again! But even when barbecuing, you can save a lot of CO₂, avoid waste, and even be really creative. In this blog, we'll show you how sustainable grilling works – without sacrifice, but with lots of flavor and responsibility. 🌱🔥
1. Shop regionally & seasonally
The foundation for sustainable grilling starts with shopping. Instead of relying on grill classics that have traveled far, it's worth taking a look at what's available locally:
- Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms are perfect for grilling.
- Fruits like peaches or pineapples add a sweet touch to the grill.
- Regional cheese or Tofu from European organic soy are great alternatives to imported or meat-heavy products.
💡Tip: Use the Smantry App to see what ingredients you have at home and what you can conjure up with them.
2. Less (but better quality) meat
Meat has a high carbon footprint – but you don't have to give it up entirely. Pay attention to:
- Organic quality
- Species-appropriate husbandry
- Regionality
Alternatives such as marinated cauliflower, halloumi skewers, or homemade lentil burgers are not only climate-friendly but also really tasty.
3. Grill without aluminum foil
Aluminum foil is harmful to the environment – and can even be hazardous to health when heated. Instead, use:
- Stainless steel grill pans
- Grill baskets
- Banana leaves or corn husks as natural packaging
- Reusable skewers made of stainless steel or wood
4. Upcycling Recipes: Smartly Repurposing Leftovers
After barbecuing, there's often something left over. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled vegetables can be turned into a salad or wrap the next day.
- Bread leftovers are turned into crispy croutons.
- Fruit leftovers are perfect for a fruity iced tea or sorbet.
The Smantry App helps you keep track even after the BBQ – and avoid wasting food.
5. Conscious Grilling: Ambiance over Mass Production
Sustainable grilling also means: Less is more.
- Eat consciously, instead of preparing extra-large portions
- Plan your shopping efficiently and without excess with the app
- Avoid single-use products like plastic cutlery or paper plates – a BBQ is more enjoyable with nice dishes anyway!
In conclusion: Sustainable grilling is easy – with the right planning
With a little preparation and creativity, your barbecue will not only be delicious, but also good for the environment. And the best part: You don't have to make any compromises. The Smantry App helps you to use everything you already have – for less waste and more enjoyment.
🔥 Open the app now, check supplies, and grill sustainably!
Have fun with your barbecue –
your team at Smantry 🍢🌽♻️
Ice cream from leftovers? Here's how to make homemade zero-waste ice cream! 🍦♻️
Even better: You can easily make your own ice cream using ingredients that might otherwise end up in the trash. Overripe bananas, leftover yogurt, or the last bit of almond milk – all of these are perfect for whipping up a delicious and sustainable ice cream in no time.
Why homemade ice cream?
You know what's inside. No additives, no artificial flavors.
You save food. Many leftovers are perfect for freezing.
You save money.Buying ice cream is a thing of the past – your freezer is now the ice cream parlor.
3 simple leftover recipe ideas for ice cream:
🍌 1. Banana Peanut Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (or other nut leftovers)
- 1 shot of plant-based milk
Preparation:
Slice bananas, freeze them. Then blend with the remaining ingredients – and your creamy Nicecream is ready!
🍓 2. Yogurt Berry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- Leftover frozen berries or fresh berries that have become soft
- 1 tsp honey or syrup
Preparation:
Mix everything and either eat immediately or freeze in ice molds.
☕ 3rd Coffee-Chocolate Slush
Ingredients:
- Leftover coffee from the morning
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- A piece of overripe banana or some agave syrup
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Crush all ingredients in a blender – a caffeinated summer dream!
Even more leftovers? No problem!
With Smantry you can see at a glance which ingredients you have at home – perfect for creating your own ice cream. This way, your leftovers can become little summer highlights.
In conclusion:
Leftover utilization has never been so tasty! 🍨
So: Open the freezer, scan the leftovers, and start mixing!
👉 Use the app now and waste nothing
♻️ For the love of your supplies – and ice cream.
Food waste in international comparison – Who does what?
🇫🇷 France – Legally Against Waste
France is considered a pioneer in the fight against food waste. Since 2016, supermarkets have been prohibited from throwing away edible food. Instead, they must donate or repurpose it. Schools and universities are increasingly focusing on educational programs for sustainable nutrition. As a result, France is now among the countries with the lowest proportion of wasted food in Europe.
🇰🇷 South Korea – Smart Waste Fees
In South Korea, households pay for their food waste by weight – through RFID chips in garbage bins or special garbage bags with barcodes. This financial incentive has led to South Korea now recycling 95% of its organic waste. The system is combined with extensive educational efforts and the promotion of biogas and composting facilities.
🇩🇰 Denmark – The movement comes from below
Denmark relies on the power of the community. Initiatives such as "Stop Spild Af Mad" (Stop Food Waste) have sparked societal debates. Moreover, supermarkets like Wefood exclusively offer food products past their best before date – and at low prices. The acceptance among the population is high, and schools are actively incorporating the topic as well.
🇯🇵 Japan – Tradition Meets Technology
In Japan, food waste is also culturally associated with a strong sense of shame – this helps. Additionally, there is a focus on innovation: companies use AI for better inventory planning or apps that indicate when food should be consumed in the household. Bento shops also use data to precisely adjust their offerings to the daily demand.
🇩🇪 Germany – Between Movement and Potential
Germany is making progress: Initiatives such as Too Good To Go, Foodsharing or apps like the Speisekammer App / Smantry help to reduce waste in everyday life. Legally, however, it is not as advanced as France – although the pressure is increasing. 40% of the wasted food occurs in private households – this shows how important individual solutions are.
🌍 What we can learn from it
Whether through smart technology, legal requirements, or social movements: the fight against food waste needs many perspectives – and all are important. The good news: every single step counts.
With the Speisekammer App / Smantry you can start right at home – with smart pantry management, reminders for expiring food, and clever shopping planning.
👉 Discover the app now and make your contribution: smantry.com