Sustainable Princeton’s STAR Neighborhoods are springing into action this year with several activities and events. The Laurel and Mt. Lucas STAR Neighborhood recently hosted a two-part workshop series on reducing food waste. They received a STAR mini-grant to fund the costs of the project materials.
In their mini-grant application, the neighborhood referenced the Harvard School of Public Health’s website, which states that reducing food waste results in “reduced methane emissions from landfills and a lower carbon footprint.”
The neighborhood leaders organized a two-part workshop with the overall goal of reducing food travel distance, keeping good food fresh longer, and keeping unnecessary waste out of our landfills.
First, they hosted a virtual cooking class with Thirsty Radish for a freezer-friendly meal that can be easily made ahead. 6 households participated in the cooking class. Participants were provided with a recipe for vegetable chili and guacamole. The organizers wrote: “It can be hard to find foods that freeze well and still taste great—this will address that while also encouraging at least one plant-based meal a week!”
The Neighborhood also created a worksheet with Tips and Tricks for Reducing Food Waste using tools they already have, like their freezer. The food waste guide was shared with the entire neighborhood of about 50 households.
To promote growing food right at home, further reducing our carbon footprint, they hosted a seed planting workshop. 11 neighbors planted snap peas, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini in seed trays.
Way to go, Laurel and Mt. Lucas neighbors!
About STAR Neighborhoods
The STAR Neighborhoods program gives Princeton residents the opportunity to actively participate in building a more sustainable, together and resilient community. STAR neighborhoods select activities that will strengthen their community, reduce its carbon footprint, and inspire others to follow suit. Learn more about STAR Neighborhoods on the Sustainable Princeton website.
Funding for the STAR Neighborhood Mini-Grants has been provided by NRG Energy Inc.
