It’s that time of year again – a time to reflect and look ahead to a new year of possibilities. In that same vein, we recently asked Chef Andrew Zimmern what he’s focusing on in 2019. If you’ve ever seen the popular Travel Channel show Bizarre Foods, then you will know Chef Zimmern. Not only is he a James Beard Award-winning TV personality and chef, but he is also a writer, teacher, and star of Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food, The Zimmern List and Food Network’s Big Food Truck Tip.
Read below to find out what this well-traveled and experienced industry leader has to say about the year ahead.
“If you haven’t already heard me talk about this, I am incredibly invested in finding new ways to include sustainable foods into my diet, which in turn, help our environment. It is more important than ever to incorporate these practices. What will happen when we can’t find fish in the sea or don’t have enough food to feed the world’s growing populations? My resolutions in 2019? To protect our planet & oceans.”
Join Chef Zimmern in making these simple commitments:
1. Be open to farmed seafood. Aquaculture is controversial, but I know there are water farmers who prioritize the environment and sustainably raise their fish. This year, I’m on a mission to learn more about seafood farming and share what I uncover with you.
2. Remember to use reusable water bottles, bags, straws, and utensils (and make it a habit of carrying them with you). According to a 2018 United Nations report, over 90% of plastic never gets recycled. A lot of plastic finds its way into the ocean, resulting in microplastics in our food systems. By using less plastics to begin with, we can prevent this harmful accumulation of waste.
3. Explore other nutrient-rich foods...like bugs! Insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants and crickets are actually a diet staple in many other countries and cultures. To learn more, watch The Gateway Bug, a great documentary film about feeding humanity in the future.
4. Order fresh meat and produce directly from responsible farms that are committed to the health of the environment. I often receive shipped food and love seeing brands such as Snake River Farms and Ooho Water tackle wasteful packaging with biodegradable or even edible options.
These are just a few of the ways we can tackle our environmental issues. How will you protect our planet in 2019? We’d love to know – share your ideas with us on social media and tag @VerlassoSalmon (Twitter) or @Verlasso (Instagram) so we can find them!
*top photo courtesy of Travel Channel