It's no surprise that baking can help you to be more mindful. Purchasing, measuring, and mixing ingredients together brings you back to the realization that things take time - something we often forget when we're running around.
However, baking can be both wasteful and harmful to the environment - but as you're in charge of what goes inside, you have the opportunity to exclude harmful ingredients that come from environmental degradation. Keep reading below for some suggestions and resources on more eco-friendly baking ideas!
However, baking can be both wasteful and harmful to the environment - but as you're in charge of what goes inside, you have the opportunity to exclude harmful ingredients that come from environmental degradation. Keep reading below for some suggestions and resources on more eco-friendly baking ideas!
What to do |
Buy organic and fair trade when you can afford it, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. You're not going to save the earth by yourself - you're just doing your part, no matter how small the contribution. Invest in silicone liners, and try to buy better quality bakeware if it's something you do a lot of. Lower quality bakeware, although inexpensive, adds up in the long term both financially and in terms of waste production as it needs to be replaced more often.
On a side note for those of you on this page who dislike baking and/or lack the time for sweet treat, if you're picking up pastries/snack food at the grocery store, try to avoid those containing palm oil. This website from the World Wildlife Foundation explains why this is the case. |
My favourite baking blogs
Not surprisingly, plant-heavy diets put a lot less stress on the environment than diets with animal products do. Of course not everyone can or wants to eat a plant-based diet, but by making a small change and doing something like baking vegan treats, that's one step in the right direction. Even switching out one non-vegan ingredient, such as dairy milk, for an alternative - such as soy, almond, or rice (my three favourites) can make a difference. My all-time favourite baking sites are listed below - these are lovely people I've been following for years, and I adore their creativity.
hot for foodBased in Toronto, hot for food is a blog run by Lauren Toyota and her boyfriend, John. I'm a huge fan of their carrot cake! As for cooking, I've made their cauliflower wings more times than I can count.
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Quick changes
Shop and buy local if it's an option for you. This cuts down on fuel for both you and the transport companies.
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Flax seeds are a good way to replace eggs when baking. Typically, this ratio works best.
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Make your own vanilla extract to cut down on packaging. Although effortless, it does take time.
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