Perfectly imperfect produce: How reducing food waste keeps the grocery bill down!

Growing up, I wasn’t sure what November was good for. Now I do. I’m cozied up in my favourite chair by the fire, listening to rain gush down the spouts while soggy Halloween decorations whip around in the wind outside. 

November is the time to hunker down and line our nests with warmth, softness and comfort. I think of it as the human version of hibernation—a month to rest, recharge, and embrace cozt things. Tonight, I’ve decided is chicken soup, biscuits, and apple crumble night.

Speaking of apples, I’ve got about sixty pounds of “seconds” sitting in the carport. Seconds are the apples farmers can’t sell because they’re a bit too bruised or funey-looking. I found a spot where they sell these bumped and bruised beauties in bulk for about sixty cents a pound. Late tonight, I’ll haul out my trusty apple corer/peeler, prop up my iPad for a good sitcom binge, and get to work. Half the apples will be sliced, tossed with lemon juice, and frozen in ziplock bags—perfect for quick crumbles or pies all year long. I’ll also pop about twenty pounds into the dehydrator for apple chips, a family favourite snack.

The rest? We’ll just eat fresh, because “ugly” produce is still delicious. This practice of using “ugly produce” is called food rescuing, and it’s amazing. Around twenty-five percent of fresh produce never even makes it to the consumer, often being tossed because of being over-ripe, damaged or marred. Food waste contributes about ten percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Food rescuing saves our family money, gives us an abundance of healthy snacks, and reduces the amount of harmful methane gas created in our landfills.

Even if you don’t have the space or time to buy in bulk and practice food preservation, it’s worthwhile to connect with farmer’s markets, local farms, small grocers and even some food delivery apps that offer “seconds” on produce. I recommend building personal connections in this area. Taking a moment to talk with shop employees, or the person behind the till may lead you to some yummy tips about where you may be able to score some tasty discounts. 

November is about comfort and care, it’s also about thankful harvesting, even the funny-looking stuff.

Cheers to a cozy season!

Links to know more:

https://www.secondharvest.ca/resources/research/avoidable-crisis

https://www.recyclingproductnews.com/article/28299/national-zero-waste-council-announces-strategy-to-cut-canadas-food-waste-in-half

http://www.nzwc.ca/focus-areas/food/Pages/default.aspx 

Unleashing Creativity: Embracing Mental Lightness

            2024 is here. I’ve had a good break from my usual work and life stresses and feel light and joyful. I’ve also had space to reflect.

I am ambitious and driven. I’m a bit of a workaholic. I get an exhilarating high from checking the boxes, from a job well done. As someone who thrives on being occupied, the quest for constant productivity is a double-edged sword. The exhilarating highs of constant activity can lead to a subsequent drop in mental well-being, manifesting as a minor depressive episode when business subsides.

With a mind full of ‘to dos’,  I also struggle to be present with the ones I love. I get sick easily. When something in my life is out of balance, I ruminate obsessively.

My relentless drive for busyness can be traced back to control issues, probably rooted in perfectionism and a lack of trust. I often struggle to create and share my artwork because I am critical of every line I draw or paint. 

Which leads to my next point. Business and obsessive rumination over unfixable problems actually hinders creative growth. Creativity flourishes when unshackled from the fear of failure. Embracing creativity involves experimentation and learning, which can only be achieved by making room for chaos, uncertainty, and, yes, failure.

I know all this, but it’s time for my mind knowledge to settle into my heart. 

I want to be light. I want to be free from obsession, overwork and perfectionism. This year, I have resolved to learn how to slow down a bit and ‘let it go.’

    

I haven’t figured it all out (who has?), but I’ve got a few ideas. Here are my first steps on the path to mental lightness:

        1. Delegation. My kids are already experiencing the pleasure of taking on a few more chores around the house. I’m also practicing better communication with my husband. He often wants to help, but I’m not great at communicating my needs.

        2. Saying no, giving a joyful ‘yes.’ After years of screwing this up, I’m finally figuring out how to say no to things that I am ill-equipped for. I’m not great with crowds or screaming children, but I can happily mentor a young writer or help set up a community art gallery.

        3. Boundaries. Whatever I say yes to can’t compromise my sleep, nutrition, mindful time with the kids, relationship-building time with my spouse, or professional goals. The older I get, the less energy and physical ability I have. Boundaries help me to protect these precious resources.

        4. Friendship. This list already seems full. But it can’t be too full to maintain my support network of trusted friends. Good friends lift one another up and bear each other’s burdens. I’ve struggled in the past with a full calendar and an anxious, depressed mental state. It’s made me insular. Even during a busy week, there is always time for a work date, coffee date, zoom date or phone call. I’m joyfully ready to share and bear the burdens of life by reaching out once again.

        5. Mindfulness. This word has become so trendy that it makes me throw up a little in my mouth. I hear it trotted out as a solution to everything these days to the point where the mere mention of it seems insincere and lazy. And yet… I do know what it is to pray and meditate. I am a practicing Christian, and I know what it means to sink into a moment and release the list of endless unsolvable problems and upcoming tasks into the blessed ether. The discipline of sincere and deep spirituality can be through music, prayer, movement, meditation, unfiltered expression of art and many other ways. I’ve made some space in my life for these activities, personally and in community. I’m really looking forward to the calmness and clarity I know it brings.

Peace be with you.