We would like to share with you today one of the best practices developed within the Green Power project (° 2023-1-PL01-KA210-VET-000153832), carried out in partnership with Baba Husky OY (Finland) and the Foundation for Education, Development, and Innovation (Poland). You can find more interesting information on the project partners' social media and on the website www.greenindustry.pl. Feel free to contact our experts!

The GRUPA ODROLNIKA Association, founded by a group of young people from the Second High School in Tarnów, operates nationwide to popularize the use of local products in home kitchens and combat food waste by promoting ZERO WASTE cooking. This approach marks a new phase in building the region’s food self-sufficiency. Additionally, the association combats food waste, cares for the natural environment in the region through local purchases, and supports local farmers who run small family farms in an environmentally friendly manner.

At the heart of GRUPA ODROLNIKA’s activities is the development of a particular map promoting local shopping, organizing cooking workshops, and hosting events such as the “Annual Pumpkin Festival.” These activities raise awareness among residents, including young people, about preventing food waste and reducing waste production (packaging) for the natural environment.

As part of their activities, they increase awareness among residents, including the younger generation, about local products, the short journey food takes from field to table, and the reduction of packaging, mainly plastic, associated with long-distance food transport. Culinary workshops promote creativity in the kitchen, especially Zero Waste cooking skills using scraps and renewable energy sources (like photovoltaics). Efforts are also directed at the younger generation through the internet and social media, ensuring the information reaches as wide an audience as possible.

Zero-waste cooking for the younger generation can be both educational and fun. Here are some implemented ideas:

Ingredient Education: Starting with the basics, young people are shown what ingredients can be used in the kitchen instead of throwing them away. They learn to use entire vegetables, including stems, peels, and scraps, to create tasty dishes.

Creative Recipes: Simple and creative recipes use whole ingredients, minimizing waste. For example, instead of discarding potato peels, they can be baked into crispy chips.

Practical Skills: Young people are taught practical skills such as storing food in ways that prevent waste and using food storage containers, and wax wraps instead of aluminium foil or paper for wrapping food.

Conscious Shopping: Conscious shopping and meal planning are emphasized to avoid overbuying and wasting food. They are reminded of the value of seasonal and local products and the benefits of buying in bulk.

Using Whole Products: Whole products, such as eggs, flour, milk, or meat, are encouraged to be used in various recipes, preventing waste.

Food Repurposing: Demonstrations on repurposing food scraps into new meals, such as making delicious broths from vegetable pulp or aromatic soups from leftover roasted chicken, are provided.

Preparing the younger generation for Zero-Waste cooking can be exciting and beneficial for them and the environment. It’s important to show them that even small actions can significantly reduce food waste and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

In conclusion, the effectiveness of these initiatives depends on cooperation between the GRUPA ODROLNIKA Association, local authorities, the community, NGOs, and farmers. This collaboration proves that significant changes can be achieved for a better future and environment by working together. The GRUPA ODROLNIKA Association demonstrates that with commitment and the right tools, even a small community can have a large impact on its surroundings and inspire others.