While tackling #foodwaste is a growing concern for many, a new survey by pet food brand Barking Heads has indicated that many dog owners don't adhere to the same mindset when feeding their pets. 🐶

https://sustainabilityonline.net/news/more-than-half-of-dog-owners-throw-away-dog-food-daily/

France’s Ban on Food Waste Three Years Later – Food Tank

France became the first country to pass a national regulation specifically against food waste in 2016. That effort earned a lot of attention—resulting in a top ranking in the 2017 Food Sustainability Index—and prompted conversation in th…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #DinnerTonight #Frenchdinner #ban #dinner #foodwaste #francais #france #French
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2328778/frances-ban-on-food-waste-three-years-later-food-tank/

31 Ways To Use left Over #LemonPeel

By LivingGreenAndFrugally
June 4, 2025

"Every time you squeeze a lemon and toss the peel, you’re throwing away a zesty goldmine! 🍋✨ Lemon peels aren’t just scraps — they’re packed with natural oils, antibacterial properties, nutrients, and a fresh scent that can revolutionize your home and garden routines.

Next time you slice a lemon, remember: the juice is just half the story. The peel holds the real power! Whether you’re freshening your laundry, banishing bugs, or enriching your soil, these 31 amazing uses prove that lemon peels deserve a second life.

Q&A

❓ Are lemon peels safe to use in #compost?
Yes — just use in moderation and chop them small to help them break down faster. Avoid if your compost is already too acidic.

❓ Can lemon peels damage plants?
Only if used in large amounts or if your soil is already highly acidic. Test your soil before regular use.

❓ Can I use lemon peels if they’re from non-organic lemons?
Yes, but it’s best to wash them thoroughly first or opt for organic when using in the garden or for food-related applications.

❓ How long do lemon peels last?
Fresh peels last about a week in the fridge. You can also dry them for long-term use in #DIYCleaners and garden hacks."

Learn more:
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/31-ways-to-use-left-over-lemon-peel/

#SolarPunkSunday #ZeroWaste #FoodWaste #LemonPeels #HomemadeCleaners #DIY #GardenHacks

Don't Throw Away Onion Peels; Here Are 5 Ways You Can Use Them In Your Foods

Onion Skin Uses: If some past researches are to be believed, onion peels are actually more nutritional that the onion itself!

"Health Practitioner, nutritionist and Macrobiotic Health Coach, Shilpa Arora says, 'Generally, skin of almost all vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients. Onion skin also provides many health benefits. But if you want to add onion skin to your diet, make sure the onions are organic and come from a credible source guaranteeing the onions are free from pesticides and chemical treatments'."

5 Ways To Use Onion Skin:

1. Lift Up Soup And Gravy
Add onion peels while boiling soup, stock and gravies. It will help thicken the gravy and will also infuse a beautiful purple hue in it. Remember to take the peels out after boiling for some time.
Add onion skin to soups for thickness.

2. Add Smokiness
Smoked spices are popularly used to add some heat and depth to foods. You can make onion ash by roasting onion peels in oven till they turn dark (almost black) in colour. Then grind them to make a fine powder and sprinkle away.

3. Relax With Onion Skin Tea
Ah, another never-heard-before tea version touted to be as healthy as others. Onion skin tea is known to soothe mind and also improve immune system. Pour hot water in a cup containing tea bag/green tea leaves and onion peels and let both seep for some time. Strain the tea and relax with a healthful cup of tea.

4. Quench Your Thirst With Onion Peel Water
Onion peel-infused water may provide its anti-inflammatory properties and may also take care of the lingering muscle cramps. Just add onion skins to a glass of water and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. Remove the skins and gulp down the water of goodness.

5. Add More Flavour To Rice
Biryani, pulao, fried rice, jeera rice - almost all rice dishes can be enhanced by cooking the rice along with few onion skins. You will love the subtle bitter flavor of onion skin in your rice. Try it out but don't forget to remove the skin before eating.

Learn more:
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/dont-throw-away-onion-peels-here-are-5-ways-you-can-use-them-in-your-foods-2288056

#SolarPunkSunday #VegetableScraps
#FoodWaste #SoupStock #ZeroWaste #OnionSkins

My grandfather used to make a soup like this -- food scraps, seasonal veggies from the garden, canned veggies -- whatever we had around the house! It was never the same but always delicious!

How to Make #ScrapSoup: A Delicious, #ZeroWaste Meal

By livingplanetfriendly
March 29, 2025

"Scrap soup is the ultimate way to use up leftover vegetables, reduce food waste, and create a hearty, nutritious meal with minimal effort. This recipe is all about flexibility—you can mix and match whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep option. Whether you’re using homemade veggie scrap broth, canned beans, pasta, grains, or fresh produce that needs to be used up, this soup is a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to make the most of your kitchen staples.

Why You Should Make Scrap Soup

1. Reduce Food Waste
Did you know that nearly 30-40% of food in the U.S. is wasted? Making scrap soup helps combat this issue by using vegetable scraps, wilted greens, and leftover pantry items that might otherwise go uneaten.

2. Save Money
Rather than buying new ingredients for every meal, scrap soup allows you to use what you already have, cutting down on grocery costs while still creating a filling dish.

3. Easy to Customize
No two batches of scrap soup are ever the same! You can use whatever vegetables, beans, grains, or seasonings you have on hand. It’s a great way to experiment with new flavors and textures.

4. Nutrient-Packed and Healthy
This soup is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein from fresh vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free depending on your choice of grains or pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 cups veggie scrap broth – A homemade broth made from saved vegetable scraps enhances the flavor and adds depth to the soup. If you don’t have any, use store-bought vegetable broth.
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic – Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
1 medium sweet onion – Brings natural sweetness and a hearty base for the soup.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness to the dish.
1 (16-ounce) can of beans – Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas work well, providing protein and texture.
1 to 2 cups dry pasta or 1 cup grains – Adds heartiness; use rice, quinoa, or your favorite pasta shape.
2 to 3 cups assorted veggies – Anything from carrots and celery to spinach, kale, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste (optional) – For a richer, tomato-based broth.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your flavor preference."

Read more (includes full recipe):
https://livingplanetfriendly.com/2025/03/29/scrap-soup-recipe/

#SolarPunkSunday #VegetableScraps
#FoodWaste #SoupStock #ZeroWaste #FoodSecurity #Recipes

Technique #47: Save Scraps for Superior Vegetable Soups

Don't throw away the seeds and skins! They pack a ton of flavor

By America's Test Kitchen
Published on September 15, 2023

"#VegetableSoups should be anything but meek. They should taste robustly of the essences of the vegetables they are made from, with a bold, earthy, natural flavor.

Too often the vegetable flavor is delicate and mild, though. Recipes frequently try to compensate by burying what little vegetable flavor there is with chicken broth, an excess of cream or milk, or an overabundance of spices.

For superior vegetable soups, we call on a technique that is more typically reserved for making stock: using the seeds, peels, cores, and other trimmings.

This is standard practice when making stock or broth to use as a base for other dishes, not only because it’s economical and reduces food waste but also because it builds deep flavor.

Step By Step: How to Use Two Common Vegetable Scraps

Two common vegetables that often end up in the trash are corn cobs and squash seeds. Turns out, those are some of the most flavorful scraps. Here's how to use them."

Learn more:
https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/7727-how-to-use-vegetable-scraps-in-soup

#SolarPunkSunday #VegetableScraps #FoodWaste #SoupStock #SquashSeeds #Corncobs #ZeroWaste

What to do with #pineapple rinds?

June 23, 2024 by Rachel Bannarasee

Creative and Environmentally Friendly Ways to Utilize Pineapple Rinds

"Introduction:

Pineapple is an incredibly delicious tropical fruit, cherished for its juicy and refreshing taste. However, after indulging in this tropical delight, have you ever wondered what to do with the pineapple rinds? Instead of discarding them as waste, there are several innovative and sustainable ways to put those pineapple rinds to good use!

**What to do with pineapple rinds?**

1. Make Pineapple Infused Water:
One fantastic way to utilize pineapple rinds is by infusing them in water. Simply place the rinds in a pitcher of water, let it sit for a few hours, and enjoy a subtly sweet and refreshing pineapple-flavored beverage.

2. Create a DIY Pineapple Vinegar:
Transform those pineapple rinds into tangy and aromatic vinegar. By fermenting the rinds with sugar and water, you can make your very own pineapple vinegar, perfect for dressing salads or marinating meat.

3. Prepare a Tasty Pineapple Skin Tea:
Pineapple skin tea is not only delicious but also offers a range of health benefits. Boil the rinds with water and a pinch of cinnamon, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain and enjoy this delightful and flavorful tea.

4. Make Pineapple Skin Smoothies:
Instead of discarding the rinds, why not blend them into your favorite smoothie recipes? Pineapple skins are packed with nutrients, adding an extra health boost to your smoothies.

5. Create Pineapple Skin Jam:
Transform pineapple rinds into a delightful jam enriched with natural sweetness. Cook the rinds with sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Spread it on toast or use it as a topping for desserts.

6. Add Them to #Compost:
The natural acidity and nutrient content of pineapple rinds make them an excellent addition to your compost bin. Chop the rinds into small pieces and add them to your compost pile to enrich the soil for future use in your garden.

7. Craft Pineapple Skin Potpourri:
Dry pineapple rinds, cut them into smaller pieces, and mix them with your favorite spices and herbs. Place the mixture in a decorative bowl, and you’ll have a delightful potpourri that emits a beautiful tropical fragrance.

8. Feed Them to Chickens or Livestock:
If you have chickens or other livestock, giving them pineapple rinds can be a nutritious treat. Remember to cut the rinds into smaller, manageable pieces to ensure safe consumption.

9. Use Pineapple Rinds as Natural Cleaner:
Pineapple skins have natural enzymes that can act as powerful cleaning agents. Use the rinds to remove stains, freshen up cutting boards, or even shine copper utensils.

10. Create a Pineapple Skin Face Mask:
The enzymes in pineapple rinds can also be beneficial for the skin, helping to exfoliate and improve its texture. Blend the rinds to a pulp, mix them with a little honey or yogurt, and apply the mixture to your face for a refreshing and natural DIY face mask.

11. Make Fruit Extract:
Pineapple rinds are an excellent ingredient for creating fruit extracts, which can be used to enhance the flavor of various dishes and beverages. Boil the rinds with water, strain the liquid, and store it in airtight containers for future use.

12. Infuse Pineapple Rinds into Vinegars or Oils:
To add a unique twist to your homemade vinegars or oils, simply place pineapple rinds into the containers and let them infuse for a few weeks. The resulting products will carry a delightful hint of pineapple flavor.

In conclusion, pineapple rinds offer a plethora of exciting possibilities beyond being mere waste. From refreshing beverages and tasty treats to natural cleaners and skincare products, these rinds can be repurposed in various creative and environmentally friendly ways. So, the next time you enjoy a pineapple, remember to harness the potential of its rinds and embark on a sustainable journey of experimentation and enjoyment."

Source: www.chefsresource.com/faq/what-to-do-with-pineapple-rinds/

#SolarPunkSunday #PineappleRinds #FoodWaste #ZeroWaste