today’s tip

reducing food waste

Food waste is more than just tossing leftovers; it’s a massive environmental issue. Globally, about one-third of all food produced is wasted. This waste not only impacts our planet but also our wallets.

Why Reducing Food Waste Matters:

• Environmental Impact: Rotting food in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

• Cost Efficiency: Reducing food waste can save families hundreds of dollars annually. Less waste = more money saved.

• Global Hunger: When food is wasted, it highlights a missed opportunity to address hunger in communities around the world.

How to Reduce Food Waste:

• Plan Your Meals: Start with a weekly plan, or even a 3 day plan, creating a grocery list based on specific recipes to avoid overbuying.

• Store Food Properly: Keep fruits and veggies in optimal spots in your fridge, and freeze items that won’t be used immediately. Tip: Store your fruits in mason jars in the fridge to make them last significantly longer!

• First In, First Out: Arrange food so older items are in front, encouraging you to use them before newer ones.

• Get Creative with Leftovers: Transform leftover veggies into a stir-fry or soup, and repurpose stale bread for croutons or bread pudding.

• Compost: For unavoidable waste, start a compost bin. This turns food scraps into rich soil, benefiting your garden and reducing landfill impact. Take a look at a previous Outside Calling article on composting!

Reducing food waste doesn’t need to be complicated. By making small, intentional changes in how we buy, store, and consume food, we can save money, protect the environment, and contribute to a more sustainable food system. 🌿 

spotlight topic

breaking the stigma around the bus

Public transportation, especially buses, often comes with an unfair stigma. Many perceive it as a last resort rather than a smart choice for both individuals and the planet. Let’s shift that perspective:

Reasons to Opt for the Bus:

• Eco-Friendly Travel: Buses significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, lowering emissions and improving air quality. Choosing the bus means you're actively reducing your carbon footprint.

• More Time, Less Stress: Bus rides offer the chance to relax, read, or catch up on messages. Unlike driving, you’re free from road rage and traffic headaches.

• Building Community: Riding the bus can connect you with neighbors, local businesses, and events you may otherwise miss.

• Changing Mindsets: The "car-first" culture creates a divide, but more people choosing buses signals a step towards healthier, more sustainable cities.

• Accessible Adventures: Many bus routes pass through parks, trails, and community spaces, making it easy to reach outdoor escapes without a car.

• Saving Money: A single bus ticket often costs $2. That’s likely less than weekly gas expenses, car maintenance, and parking fees. It's a budget-friendly way to get around.

Let's celebrate the bus as a viable, positive transportation option. Next time you think about hopping in your car, consider the bus—good for the planet, good for you!

a few words

continuous improvement

Taking the bus and biking have become a key way of getting around for me, and while I’m proud of choosing these sustainable options, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, as I stand at the bus stop watching cars zip by, I catch myself wondering, 'Are they judging me for taking… THE BUS!?' It’s a passing thought, but it’s there. Biking downtown or to the gym has become my norm, yet I know there’s more I could do—more places I could bike or bus instead of drive. I still catch myself slipping into the convenience of the car for quick errands, knowing I could be more intentional. It’s a work in progress, a shift in habits, but each small effort feels like a step in the right direction, reminding me that change is about the journey, not perfection.