Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Absa Top 5 Olive Oil Awards. These are essentially the top 5 olive oils in the country. All made locally by passionate individuals who take immense pride in producing a product (cultivated from one of the oldest-known trees on earth), that rivals some of the world’s finest.
Not many people know that South African olive oils are highly regarded and recognised in other parts of the world for their distinct flavours and quality. So why do most of us buy imported olive oil from exotic locations like Spain, Italy and Greece? Because we have been conditioned to believe that imported = better quality. Read our 5 myths about olive oil you need to stop believing to see what I mean.
In short, it’s up to us as consumers to #UseLocal and palm off all those inferior oils from outside our borders. I would go so far as to question restaurants that serve imported oils. There is no need.
Slowly (whether it be subconsciously), we are making socially and environmentally responsible choices and if you want to make a difference, it’s really up to you to start with something as small as choosing to only use locally produced olive oil.
If you are more gung-ho, then we urge you to take part in the Green Monday Movement which has recently launched in South Africa. Similar to Meat-free Monday but making the decision to eat plant-based meals that are free of animal products and bi-products – on 1 day of the week (remember what I said… small changes!)
The animal agriculture sector is a large contributor to climate change, water pollution and water use. Cutting down on meat, eggs, and dairy consumption can ease our environmental impact, whilst safeguarding our health. Read our article on urban food farming and how it’s changing the way we eat.
The term “going green” is vastly overused but there are changes that you can make that will have an impact on your environmental footprint. Have a look at these 10 steps to creating an eco-conscious kitchen – which includes something as simple as taking your own shopping bags to the supermarket (we are not advocating that everybody start a veggie garden!).
Here’s to a future with a more conscientious and mindful approach to eating!
Tessa