Sustainability is not just a trending topic, it’s a way of life, a path to creating a future we can all be proud of. At RiceSelect®, we are committed to playing our part in protecting our planet. Embracing sustainable practices in the kitchen, as @kelsimsavages demonstrates to our left, is a significant step towards reducing our impact on the environment. As such, we believe that sustainability starts at home; that’s why this Earth Day we’d like to take you through some simple kitchen hacks that will make all the difference to mother nature. From cooking with in-season ingredients to waste reduction in the kitchen, we cover all the bases in our journey towards a more sustainable future.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual celebration that takes place every year on April 22nd. It is an internationally coordinated event designed to raise awareness about environmental issues. Schools, college campuses, and other public institutions around the globe organize events to celebrate our beautiful planet and encourage people to play their part in making our world a greener place to live.
When was the first Earth Day?
The first Earth Day celebration took place on April 22nd, 1970, in the USA. Nowadays, events are held in 193 countries, with over a billion people taking part.
Kitchen hacks for sustainable food practices
The first step towards building a more sustainable future for everyone is knowing how you can make a difference in your own home. Adapting your kitchen practices and encouraging others to do the same is a powerful way to enact change. So, without further ado, let’s look at practical ways you can help the environment from the comfort of your kitchen.
How to Reduce Waste in the Kitchen
Meal Planning
A great way to produce less waste in your kitchen is to follow a weekly meal plan. By creating a set menu each week, you can ensure that you have exactly what ingredients you need and in the right quantities. What’s more, being a more efficient shopper will not only help you cut down on kitchen waste but also save you money.
What to do with Leftovers
A certain amount of leftover food is inevitable. But don’t fret; there are several easy ways to repurpose those leftovers so that none of your hard work in the kitchen goes to waste.
Incorporate leftovers into your meal planning. If you’re making your favorite couscous recipe on Monday, then factor that into Tuesday’s menu by planning a recipe in which you can incorporate any leftover couscous. Soups are always a great option in this respect, as this delicious Lentil turmeric Pearl Couscous Soup Recipe demonstrates.
Learn how to store leftover rice correctly. Store leftover rice in shallow, airtight containers. Rice will keep for 3 to 5 days when refrigerated and up to 6 months when frozen.
Prepare salads. When it comes to salad recipes, the world is your oyster. Make the most of their flexibility and put your leftovers to good use.
Incorporating Organic Ingredients into Your Recipes
Cooking with organic rice and grains is another way you can have a positive effect on the environment. That’s why RiceSelect® offers a wide range of USDA-approved organic products for you to enjoy. Our organic grains are produced in line with the best agricultural practices designed to minimize their impact on the environment. If you’re curious to try your hand at cooking with organic rice, then this Beet Goat Cheese Risotto is a great place to start. It’s a rich and flavorful risotto recipe elevated by the addition of beets and goat’s cheese. What’s more, you could cap off your meal with an organic take on a dessert classic: Creme Brulee Rice Pudding.
Cooking with in Season Veggies
Sourcing seasonal produce that’s been harvested locally is a terrific way to reduce our carbon footprint and support our local economy at the same time. Follow the harvest in your local area, that way you can make conscientious choices when you go shopping. This time-honored tradition is not only eco-friendly but also economical. A simple stir-fry recipe is a great way to cook with seasonal ingredients. This Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is both delicious and flexible. Adapt the veggie portion of the recipe in line with what’s in season for a truly evergreen meal.
Add Plant-Based Recipes to your Repertoire
Reducing your meat and dairy intake can also make a world of difference to the environment. That’s why this Earth Day makes for the perfect opportunity to explore the flavorful world of vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Variety is the spice of life, and plant-based recipes typically draw upon a plethora of delicious veggie ingredients to conjure up exciting new flavors and textures in your meals. This Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Black Rice Bowl boasts an array of delicious ingredients such as RiceSelect® Premium Black Rice, onions, garlic, flaked chilis, tofu, carrots, and sauteed mushrooms, culminating in a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also exploding with flavor.
Vegan Buddha Bowl Recipe
If you can’t get enough of black rice recipes, you’re in for a treat. This Black Rice Buddha Bowl delicately combines blueberries, tangelos, and avocado, with kale, chickpeas, and sesame seeds. These enticing ingredients result in a vegan-friendly dish that’s vibrant, refreshing, and irresistible.
Add Plant-Based Recipes to your Repertoire
Reducing your meat and dairy intake can also make a world of difference to the environment. That’s why this Earth Day makes for the perfect opportunity to explore the flavorful world of vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Variety is the spice of life, and plant-based recipes typically draw upon a plethora of delicious veggie ingredients to conjure up exciting new flavors and textures in your meals. This Vegan Bang Bang Tofu Black Rice Bowl boasts an array of delicious ingredients such as RiceSelect® Premium Black Rice, onions, garlic, flaked chilis, tofu, carrots, and sauteed mushrooms, culminating in a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also exploding with flavor.
How to Make Rice Milk at Home
It’s official: plant-based milk is taking the world by storm. Not only is it ideal for anyone who suffers from lactose intolerance, it’s also an environmentally friendly alternative to dairy. One of the most popular varieties of plant-based milk is rice milk because it has a naturally sweet flavor. What’s more, homemade rice milk is quite easy to make.
Take ¾ cup of uncooked RiceSelect® Jasmati White Rice and leave it to soak in 2 cups of hot water for 2-3 hours.
Drain the rice and add it to a blender with 4 cups of cold water.
Blend until rice and water take on a milky consistency.
Strain the milk through a nut milk bag or fine cloth.
Chef’s Tip: If you like your milk extra sweet, add a little honey or agave syrup to the blend.
What is Composting?
No matter how careful you are with your meal planning, there will always be a certain amount of food leftover that you can’t repurpose into new meals. That’s why more and more people are turning to composting as a means to dispose of their food waste in a more sustainable way. Composting is a simple process that involves converting organic food matter into natural fertilizer, which can then be used in gardens.
Ways to Reuse the RiceSelect® Jars
Finally, to cap off our celebration of Earth Day, let’s take a look at some neat ways you can get the most out of the RiceSelect jar.
Our jars are 100% BPA-free and recyclable. Best of all, there are a whole manner of ways in which you can reuse them in your home, as @lizfenwickdiy artfully demonstrates. Join in on the fun and show us how you’ve reused your RiceSelect® Jar this Earth Day by tagging us on social media @riceselect.
@lizfenwickdiy Turning BPA free rice containers into chic bathroom jars! Join the upcycling fun as we give new life to these @RiceSelect jars, adding a touch of eco-friendly elegance to our space while celebrating Earth Day! 🌿♻️ #SustainableDIY #UpcycledDecor #EarthDayMagic #OpenAJarOfInspo #RiceSelect #AChefsTouch #FindYourChefsTouch ♬ original sound - Liz Fenwick | DIYs & Decor