The theme of International Day of Families (May 15th) this year is “Families and Climate Change.” Climate change negatively impacts the health and well-being of families through increased pollution, which in turn can cause extreme weather events that negatively impact the livelihoods of communities around the world.

Empowering families through education, changing consumption habits, and advocacy is critical for meaningful and effective climate action. Families pass values across generations, so instilling sustainable habits and climate awareness in families from an early age is important. Here are a few tips on how bakers can make strides toward a more environmentally friendly approach to baking.

Source Locally or Sustainably: Whenever possible, use locally sourced ingredients like fresh veggies, locally harvested nuts, herbs, and eggs. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports local farmers and producers. Also, shop from companies who employ sustainable practices that are better for the planet. Check out this statement from Domino Sugar.

Reduce Food Waste: Plan your recipes carefully to minimize food waste. Measure ingredients accurately to avoid excess, and find creative ways to use up leftovers or ingredients that are nearing their expiration date.

Energy-Efficient Baking: Use energy-efficient appliances like convection ovens, which cook food faster and more evenly, reducing energy consumption. Also, try to batch bake multiple items at once to maximize oven use.

Reduce Water Usage: Be mindful of water usage when baking. Try to use the dishwasher efficiently and avoid unnecessary water wastage during food preparation and cleanup. Learn how to reduce water usage here

Compost Organic Waste: Instead of throwing away fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and other organic waste, consider composting them. Composting reduces landfill waste and produces nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Learn how to compost

Share Your Knowledge: Spread awareness about environmentally friendly baking practices within your baking community. Share recipes, tips, and resources to inspire others to adopt more sustainable habits.

Think like a “consumer scientist.”  Grab-and-go beverages, meals, and snacks can burn those hard-earned dollars rapidly, mount environmental waste, buzz past any possible family time and defer community get-togethers. Critically think about what you’re doing using the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, www.aafcs.org model.

By incorporating these practices into your baking routine, you can enjoy all the benefits of baking while making positive contributions to the environment. Interested in reading more? Check out this great article by King Arthur Baking Company.