Green TEA focuses on how we shop, what we buy and what we can grow. 40% of the household carbon emissions in the UK come from food – higher than those of either energy or transport. Agriculture is hugely dependent on water, and a large amount of what we regard as ordinary every day food is flown halfway round the from the world. Green TEA promotes local and seasonal food and reducing waste.
If we all stopped wasting food which we could have eaten, the benefit to the planet would be the equivalent of taking one in five cars off the road. Wasting food costs the average family £700 per year.
In Eynsham we are supporting local growers, growing food and fruit in public spaces for anyone to share, and demonstrating just how delicious local and seasonal food can be.
The Food team was recently at Eynsham Cubs engaging children in making "rainbow salad" that is delicious and packed with nutrients.
Milly, who leads the GreenTEA food team, explained the benefits of wholesome (orange vs. orange juice), and the importance of a balanced diet (including nuts, beans, different coloured vegetables and fruits) to cover our body's nutritional needs.
Les, who has had a long passion for plant-based food, ran a fun quiz with the children, and helped them to understand the nutritional value of different plant foods, and encouraging children to make healthy choices (avoiding ultra-processed food).
Andy, a knowledge expert on plant-based food, showed the children how to make wholemeal couscous in a simple and easy step. Together with Helena's help, the children prepared a range of ingredients - crushing nuts, draining beans, peeling and cutting vegetables (including tomato, spinach, cucumber, carrots and apricots).
Around 25 boys and girls (aged 8-10) participated, and each created their own "rainbow salad" that was full of colours and nutrients. The best bit is that they got to eat it! There were a lot of empty bowls after and some came back for seconds…
It was a wonderful evening, and we would like to thank the Cub leaders (Owen, Rose and Caroline) for having us!