04 Oct Empowering Tomorrow’s Eco-Champions: A Day with Beezdorf Kitchen
In an era where sustainability and conscious consumption have become paramount, instilling healthy and eco-friendly food habits in our youth is a mission of great significance. The Beezdorf Kitchen initiative, a collaborative effort by Greenman OPEN and yes&, continues to champion this cause with unwavering dedication. The recent event at Fuchsberg Elementary School in Berlin was a shining example of their commitment to teaching children about making healthier and more sustainable food choices.
For the past year, Beezdorf Kitchen has been on a mission to educate and inspire the next generation. This particular event marked yet another milestone in their journey as they guided the children of Fuchsberg Elementary School on a culinary adventure. Under the expert guidance of a skilled chef from the Kinderkochspaß, Muriel from yes&, and Careen from Potager, the young participants embarked on a culinary journey that emphasised the importance of understanding food sources, growing produce, and preparing quick, healthy, and delicious meals.
The day began with the harvest of vegetables and herbs. The group gathered potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and kohlrabi from the school garden. The children then harvested the herbs from their own vertical farm by Potager Farm. As they plucked basil, sunflowers, carrots, and kohlrabi, the children began to grasp the beauty of growing their own food and the positive impact it can have on our planet. The children were amazed at the variety within the same type of vegetable. “A potato only as big as the tip of my finger?” and “The vegetables are much dirtier than in the supermarket!” were some of the many amazed comments from the day!
With their harvest in hand, it was time to get cooking. The children eagerly joined Muriel and Careen in the kitchen to create a menu that celebrated both flavour and sustainability. Together, they crafted homemade basil-sunflower pesto and cheese, and a delightful tomato salad. The pièce de résistance was a simple yet delectable potato-carrot-kohlrabi casserole that had everyone reaching for seconds.
Beyond the delicious meals prepared that day, the objective went far deeper. Beezdorf Kitchen aims to foster a profound understanding of where our food originates and the positive environmental impact of growing it ourselves. Hands-on experiences like these open the children’s eyes to the simplicity of preparing meals that are not only nutritious but also eco-conscious.
The impact of making sustainable food choices cannot be overstated. By choosing locally sourced, seasonal, and plant-based foods, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, the production of meat and dairy is responsible for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, plant-based diets, when coupled with sustainable farming practices, can drastically decrease these emissions.
In this era of climate change awareness, Beezdorf Kitchen’s educational initiative plays a crucial role in equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference. By teaching them about the benefits of sustainable food choices, they empower the next generation to be stewards of the environment.
The Beezdorf Kitchen event at Fuchsberg Elementary School was not just a culinary experience; it was a lesson in sustainability, a call to action, and a celebration of the joy that comes from nourishing both our bodies and our planet. As we look ahead to a future where conscious choices matter more than ever, initiatives like Beezdorf Kitchen pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.