A wise man once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Then lots of other people repeated his words and turned a powerful message into a tired cliche. However, if you stop and really consider these words, they still ring true. I often get frustrated by other people’s inaction and hypocrisy. I become judgmental and grouchy, muttering and grumbling under my breath when I see friends or family eating feedlot meat and conventional produce. I know I sound like a snob and I am one. I admit it. I also know that all the judging and grumbling in the world isn’t going to change anything. Everyone has values and most people live them out in their daily lives. Over and over again I have to remind myself that the things I value most are not universal. While I view our daily food choices as the most impactful choices we make when it comes to ethical and sustainable living, others might not agree and it’s not my job to shame them or guilt them into submission. All I can do is live my values and set an example that I hope inspires others. So, what inspires you to change? I find that reading powerful books or moving documentaries (the kind that make me uncomfortable and sad) often impact my choices the most. But, I know that for some, this kind of exposure leaves them feeling discouraged. For some, positive solutions or satire are the most inspiring and for others scientific facts compel them to change. One of my goals with this blog is to help people eat better, not only for themselves, but for the planet. I’ve been reluctant to write too much about the ethical and environmental problems with our current food system for fear of alienating readers and driving people away. But I’d like to change that and start bringing you some weekly food for thought (sorry, I couldn’t resist). So, I’d like to hear from you, my readers, about what inspires you to change? How can I help you learn about the issues facing our food system and instill in you a desire to shop, cook and eat more mindfully? Comment below and let me know…
This salad is crisp and fresh and perfect as a side for picnics and barbecues. The apple adds a sweet crunch and the lemon, turmeric and ginger dressing is zippy and bright. It’s also super easy to throw together and really colorful. Enjoy!
Kohlrabi, Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1 kohlrabi, julienned
2 cups shaved purple cabbage
1 granny smith or golden delicious apple, quartered and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons minced cilantro
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
PROCEDURE
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, mustard, honey and ginger in a blender and blend on high until emulsified and creamy. Combine the kohlrabi, cabbage, apple, cilantro and sesame seeds in a bowl and toss to combine. Dress just before serving.
This salad looks perfect. What are the petals that you used for decoration – I cannot seem to find them in the recipe, they are beautiful. As for changes, there are many things I want to change, but there is one in particular: I am getting so angry at lunch time in the office, as we always end up in a pile of plastic wrappers, aluminum containers and pet bottles > all going into the trash. This is definitely a behaviour I do want to change and I am currently attempting to do so for myself. It’s hard, as time to do some home cooking every evening is not easy to find, but I will keep trying to find alternatives and then share those to my colleagues / friends, etc. Well and your salad recipe is already a good option for food to bring from home, without a plastic container, but in a jar, isn’t it?
Thank you! I used some fresh coriander seeds from my garden as a garnish. They are so good and pop in your mouth. I totally understand how frustrated you must be. Do you have recycling at your office? Also I’d recommend getting some jars or containers to take your food in like these : http://www.thekitchn.com/1-lunchskins-785-for-144318, https://www.amazon.com/Snapware-Solution-Keeper-Featuring-18-Piece/dp/B00BSZJYY4, http://mightynest.com/shop/lunch-gear. The glass containers are great because they’re oven, microwave and dishwasher safe and the sandwich bags can also double as bags for snacks. Maybe your colleagues will be jealous of your cool lunch gear and follow suit. Thanks for following.
I like so much your blog and your philisophy that currently your blog is my inspiration, Sasha! I wish I could say the same as you or Valentina said , but it’s not the case. I still cook meat for my husband/my children and even it if happens seldom(max 1 keer per week), I alwasy feel guilty when cooking with meat. To be honest, I didn’t stopped eating meat because of ethical reasons but because I didn’t like it/always felt bad after eating it …and only recently I started seeing it with different ‘eyes’; but I do appreciate the ones who changed their lifestyles due to ethical reasons.
Thanks for this beautiful salad, I can not wait to try the dressing especially , sounds so delicious!
Thanks so much for sharing and for your honesty. I think most people are more motivated by personal health than environmental or ethical reasons, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I’m glad you’re exploring the bigger picture and staying true to what you and your family need.
Love this. Everything. And the combination of cabbage and apple is definitely one I am going to keep in mind. Now, as for the intro, all I can say is YES & THANK YOU! Because even though I do my best to hold myself together and not make any remarks when the people around me talk about all things meat, often enough it just makes me want to scream. I mean, I don’t claim to be perfect -I am as far away from that as one can possibly be- but I simply cannot comprehend how all these well-educated grown-ups, who are aware of what they are doing, can continue doing just that. Without a second thought, and even with pride. It simply baffles me. So much… In other words, I could go on forever talking about my frustration, but this certainly isn’t the place for that, and frankly, that won’t change anything either. So, if you haven’t made it out of this rambly comment of mine yet, I am absolutely looking forward to all those upcoming posts.
All the best,
Pia xx
Pia,
Thanks so much for this “rambly comment”. I love it! I’ll do my best to inspire you without fueling your frustrations. It’s always good to know we’re not alone in our struggles…Thanks for following.
I agree with you, I see too many people who are disgusted/hurt by topics as pollution/livestock farming/poverty/etc but they do nothing to change. I changed my diet, my beauty and cleaning products, now I’ve also started to think about sustainable fashion. What inspires me? Maybe my boyfriend. We talk a lot about important stuff!
Good for you! I’d love to learn more about sustainable fashion. Where do you look for resources? And hooray for supportive partners who want to have substantial conversations and support our passions. My husband and I talk all the time and he’s always challenging me to do better.