European Week for Waste Reduction, Europe's largest waste reduction initiative, this year focused on the importance of reducing food waste. In Postojna, the whole week was marked with various workshops combining food responsibility, creativity and family bonding. The activities took place within the framework of the European project Waste Design 2.0.
Reducing food waste is a challenge faced by the whole Western world. In Slovenia, each person throws away 78 kg of food every year, and almost half of all food waste is generated by households. So, change can start at home – in the kitchen.
To encourage thinking outside the box, based on sustainability and respect for food, various culinary workshops were held during home economics classes at the Miroslav Vilhar Postojna Primary School and at the Brlog Family Centre. Children and families explored how to reduce food waste through small steps and a thoughtful approach. In doing so, they discovered ways to reuse ingredients that would otherwise end up in the garbage.
Responsible and creative kitchens: a new opportunity for food scraps
During the workshops, participants created delicious dishes from everyday food scraps. Using a simple approach it was shown that with a little imagination, we can create completely new dishes and reduce waste at the same time. The activities were designed to encourage young participants to think about how creativity and informed choices can help prevent food from ending up in the rubbish.
The workshops were more than just a cooking lesson. They were also an opportunity to talk about respect for the resources we have at our disposal and the importance of sustainability for everyone. Through practical examples, children and families learned how everyone can contribute to more responsible food management.
Inspiration for your cuisine
Reducing food waste benefits both the environment and our wallets. But it can also be an opportunity to introduce new family traditions. A home kitchen can be a place to explore, learn and create together.
For those who would like to try creative approaches to preparing food from scraps, an inspirational recipe booklet has been prepared as inspiration by project partner Komunala Izola. From potato croquettes and vegetable chips to banana bread and watermelon cake, you will find simple and tasty ideas for new dishes. The booklet will undoubtedly spark your creativity and inspire you to bring sustainable values into your own home – whether through innovative cooking or planned food handling.
Browse the recipe booklet here: in Slovenian or in Italian.
Responsibility towards food is an expression of respect for nature and people. Working together, we can reduce food waste and live more sustainably, starting in our own kitchens.
With Waste Design 2.0 to a more sustainable life
The activities were implemented as part of the Waste Design 2.0 project, which focuses on introducing innovative solutions for waste management and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
