Food waste is an area of global concern. Not only does wasted food waste resources and money, but it releases greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. Not only that, but wasting food is an ethical issue when so many people around the world are food insecure. Because of these issues, I’ve dedicated this year’s book recommendations list to highlighting food-focused books I hope will inspire you, whatever your diet may be.
The Conscious Kitchen is focused on seasonality and mindful consumption. While I don’t think it’s particularly robust in any one area, it gives an overview of many different ways to eat more sustainably. It gives ideas for how to source good quality ingredients and properly store produce, as well as provides recipe ideas and basic information on composting and food preservation techniques. I think this book is best for beginners looking to reduce waste in the kitchen rather than for seasoned low-waste cooks.
Waste Free Kitchen Handbook shows simple ways to reduce waste: from how to store produce, to how to preserve foods before they spoil, to how to be flexible with recipes, and more. It gives actionable advice without suggesting you change your entire life for the cause.
Perfectly Good Food gives a humorous and unique perspective on reducing waste in the kitchen. The book has quite a few adaptable recipes to use up whatever you have. It also gives a basic framework for certain skills such as pickling, and knowledge of how to change recipes based on your taste preferences. It would be an incredible resource for vegetarians and omnivores alike for creating low-waste, unique, and flavorful meals with ease. I truly believe that any home cook could reduce at least some food waste after giving this a read.
Cooking Scrappy is a refreshingly inspired read. I haven’t tried the recipes in the book, since it’s not at all plant-based, but Joel does a great job coming up with innovative ideas for food that most people wouldn’t think twice about discarding. He offers a mindset shift to utilize what’s available and encourages people to try something new in the kitchen.
101 Tips for a Zero Waste Kitchen starts by helping people understand their shopping habits and what types of systems may benefit them in their life. It gives tips on meal planning as well as buying, storing, and reviving commonly wasted foods. It doesn’t judge, and instead it aims to help people reduce food waste whatever their life circumstance may be. This particular book would benefit beginners, but may not be suited for more experienced low-waste cooks.
I hope you enjoy these recommendations. If you have any nonfiction books you think I might enjoy, please leave a comment down below. If you’re interested in more book recommendations about life outside of the kitchen, please check out my previous blog posts from 2022 and 2023. And if you’re looking for more ways to reduce food waste, check out my series on doing just that: Reducing Food Waste: Planning and Purchasing, After Purchasing, and Community Activism.