Some initiatives simply deserve applause. That's why we take a deep, deep bow for the warriors of No Waste Army. They save food from being wasted - and you can become a warrior too! Just by ordering their grocery box and enjoying it. Or give one as a gift, because we think this is also a too-crazy gift idea.
What is No Waste Army?
No Waste Army tackles food waste by saving food that would otherwise disappear into the wheelie bin or bio-digester. And that fight goes far beyond saving crooked cucumbers and misshapen carrots. No Waste Army does that too, but there is more. For instance, they also collect cutting waste from the food processing industry, collect by-products from the production process and rescue products that are just past their sell-by date, but still fine to eat. In short, everything that is normally thrown away gets a second chance at No Waste Army in the form of shelf-stable, tasty products such as soups, juices and sauces. For instance, farmer Cornelis was stuck with a hundred thousand carrots because they were not straight enough - which ended up as tasty carrot soup. And farmer Kees from Vessem had a hundred thousand kilos of green beans left by last-minute supermarket cancellations. No Waste Army dived in and saved the crop.
To the rescue
Every year, we waste around two billion kilos of food in the Netherlands. A bizarre amount, and it starts with the farmer. Who often doesn't even get his fruit and vegetables sold to the supermarket. Why not? The reasons vary: from strict legislation and trade blockades to a harvest that is rejected. A crooked cucumber, a sweet pepper with a mind of its own that is a different colour or a pumpkin that is just a bit too small? That is quickly labelled ‘unfit’. While there is nothing wrong with it in terms of taste. And No Waste Army buys those products - with the help of fighters who take the boxes.
Unboxing of a No Waste Army pack.
No Waste Army unboxing
The box from No Waste Army is a treat to unwrap every time. What's in it this time? Carrot paste from misshapen carrots, apple-pear juice from fruit with a spot and olive crackers from olives that were ‘too soft’ for tapenade. Also special: red cabbages that were too small for the supermarket, but perfectly pickled by Kesbeke. Delicious on a veggie hotdog sandwich. Not to mention the pumpkin chutney, tahini, paprika tomato soup and even brownie biscuits made from the edges that are normally cut away. All made from food that would otherwise be wasted. Together, over 71 thousand kilos of food saved. And so we think that is definitely worth a standing ovation!
Try No Waste Army too?
By joining No Waste Army, you not only help reduce food waste, but also support farmers by offering them a fair price for their produce. And the best part is: you get delicious products in return. Find out more about No Waste Army.
More tips against food waste
- Also see: Learn all about the THT date and why it usually means nothing!
- Also see: cooking with leftovers. That way you always make something tasty!
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
