Almond Milk and a Book
I’ve been making almond milk using water, almonds, and salt. I blend it up and strain it through my reusable mesh CareBag, squeezing out the liquid to be refrigerated in jars for my coffee and cereal. I season the leftover pulp to make almond crackers in the dehydrator.
$5 worth of almonds makes the equivalent of a carton of $6 almond milk and a box of $8 grain-free crackers. I suck at math, but I can see that this is a good cost savings.
It’s so easy and as it turns out, cost-effective, waste-reducing, healthier, and with a reduced carbon footprint when compared to store-bought alternatives. Sure it takes a bit of planning and effort, but not that much more.
No more questionably recyclable tetra packs.
No need to ship a mostly water product using fossil fuels across the continent.
No purchase of plastic-lined boxes of astronomically priced crackers.
No waste. Not food, not packaging. None at all.
But why DIY almond milk?
Recycling isn't the ultimate solution to the world's waste problem; consuming less is. Crafting my almond milk is a small action I take towards conscious living and reducing unnecessary packaging. Conscious consumption is kept top-of-mind when I pour my coffee each morning.
Sarah Wilson's "One Wild and Precious Life": A Catalyst for Change
A while back, a dear friend from Australia sent me a copy of "One Wild and Precious Life" by Sarah Wilson. She saw me grappling with the complexities of living in this climate-grieving world, and her book gift truly was a balm for my continually breaking heart. Published during the pandemic, Wilson explores the intersections of environmental activism, minimalism, spirituality, longing for motherhood, travel, privilege, mental health, chronic pain, and, and, and.
It’s a thought-provoking snapshot of the meaning of life in the modern world. Wilson challenges conventional societal norms and encourages readers to question their values, purpose, and the pursuit of happiness. As Wilson shares personal experiences and explores global issues, the book becomes a guide for a reevaluation of priorities and a deeper connection to what truly matters in our one wild and precious life. From everyday environmental activism like her deep hatred for disposable cups to acquiring bones for nutrient-dense bone broth from other people’s plates at restaurants, Sarah's journey is both inspiring and eye-opening.
CareBags: Pioneering Sustainability - A Journey from OG Trailblazers to Continued Excellence
Back in 2009, I took on some contracted work for the founder of CareBags, a locally-made company specializing in eco-friendly mesh produce bags (that double for nut milk strainers). My tasks involved running errands and facilitating the transportation of manufacturing supplies and products between East Vancouver and Richmond warehouses. Additionally, I contributed to the company by doing some product photography.
Interestingly, the photos I captured during that time are still in use for marketing purposes today. If you happen to come across any images with a black backdrop, those are from the photoshoot conducted on my kitchen counter, featuring produce from the Main Street Persia Foods market.
CareBags, as a company, was ahead of its time. They were producing eco-friendly mesh bags years before the sustainable packaging movement gained momentum and before other mesh produce bag producers entered the market. CareBags were the original trailblazers in this space, and it's heartening to see the company still thriving and manufacturing in British Columbia!
In the grand scheme of things, homemade almond milk may not single-handedly rescue the planet, and I acknowledge that reality. However, it's the amalgamation of these seemingly inconspicuous actions that wields a powerful influence. By choosing to curtail food packaging through the creation of homemade items, I'm not just crafting almond milk; I'm casting a vote for a consciousness that aligns with sustainability, mindful consumption, and a commitment to reducing our environmental impact.
This ripple effect extends beyond the kitchen. Supporting small businesses, buying only what we need, and immersing ourselves in the wisdom of contemporary and historical thought leaders collectively shape the trajectory of our shared future. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, let us recognize the potency of these small actions, for in them lies the potential to mould a more conscious and sustainable global community.