Green Chef is a Sustainable (Eco-friendly) Meal Kit Company

Green Chef is committed to sustainability and paves the way for meal kit companies with their innovative recyclable packaging and eco-friendly practices.

What is Sustainability and Why Does it Matter?

Broadly defined, sustainability means, the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance. With regards to the food industry, sustainability means that food production, distribution and consumption play a critical role in the health of our environment, society and economy.

Did you know that an estimated 40% of food is wasted in the U.S. annually, amounting to $162 billion in food waste? If not wasted, this food could have served over 58 million meals in the U.S. annually, according to CORR Concepts for Sustainable Living. Lessening or eliminating food waste has environmental, social and economic benefits for U.S. families.

Meal Kit Companies Have a Smaller Carbon Footprint

Food production has a huge carbon footprint, and according to CORR Concepts for Sustainable Living, one study estimated it is responsible for 19-29% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. 

But, according to a study conducted in April 2019 by the University of Michigan, it was determined that meal kit companies, such as Green Chef, have a carbon footprint that is 25% lower than meals made from store-bought groceries. This is attainable due to pre-portioned ingredients and a streamlined supply chain process. Typically the pre-portioned ingredients in meal kits lead to less food loss and waste. Green Chef offers consumers a significantly more sustainable approach to eating and meal planning. Throwing away less of what we eat is an impactful way to reduce carbon emissions. 

Shipping meal kits to thousands of homes can cause emissions, however meal kits are often delivered alongside other mail on normal routes and this last stage of distribution accounts for 11% of grocery store meal emissions, but only 4% for meal kits. The University of Michigan Study also says that by skipping brick-and-mortar retailing, the direct-to-consumer meal kit model avoids the food losses that commonly occur in grocery stores, resulting in large emission savings.

Green Chef Uses Recyclable Packaging

The plastic and packing materials required to keep food fresh to ship direct-to-consumers can play into carbon emissions. But, fortunately Green Chef has taken massive steps towards sustainability with all of their packaging, and have practices in place to help offset their direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging in every box. As a family that recycles and tries to do our part to help the environment, I found it very interesting to learn more about the packaging materials that Green Chef uses. 

Green Chef is committed to producing recyclable packaging when possible, the only exceptions come into play when there is a food quality or safety reason. With that said, Green Chef is the first meal kit company to utilize ClimaCell material. ClimaCell is a curbside recyclable insulation that serves a similar function to styrofoam. It is a patented material made from renewable plant-based components and paper. ClimaCell is a great insulator for perishable food products, and the company’s mission is to “protect products with packaging that protects the earth.”

What’s in Green Chef’s Packaging?

Green Chef Boxes

The Green Chef boxes are made of 40-60% recycled cardboard material. You can reuse the box for storage or break it down and recycle it with your curbside pick-up or local recycling facility. 

Plant-based Package Insulation

As mentioned above, Green Chef boxes come insulated with a material called ClimaCell. This is a proprietary plant-based insulator. It contains a thin layer of kraft paper on either side to hold it together. The material is also curbside recyclable.

Reusable Ice Packs

The Green Chef ice packs are filled with a soluble, non-toxic gel. The outer layer of the ice packs are made of #4 plastic film. You can easily reuse the ice packs by saving them in your freezer or store at room temperature for later use. The other option is you can cut a slit and drain the gel, rinse the plastic, and recycle wherever #4 plastic is accepted.

Compostable Meal Kit Bags

The Green Chef meal kit bags that contain all of the ingredients are made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper. You can reuse the bag if it is clean or recycle with your curbside pick-up. The other option is these meal kit bags can actually be composted at home or through your local composting facility. The plastic baggies used for individual ingredients have a number on them that indicates the type of plastic and where it can be recycled, if recyclable. 

Green Chef’s Sustainability Partners

Green Chef has also strengthened its commitment to sustainability by partnering with numerous organizations that hold high standards when it comes to the environment. Some of these organizations include: The Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Spoiler Alert, Plasticbank, Temperpack, and the US EPA Certified company SmartWay.

Additionally, Green Chef is USDA-certified organic company and utilizes organic produce and eggs in their meal kits, and works with local farmers on sourcing products. They keep animal welfare in mind and the proteins contained in the meal kits come from animals that have been raised with high welfare standards.

Healthy Meal Kit Delivery with Green Chef

If you would like to try-out an eco-friendly meal kit, Green Chef is a great option! Green Chef meals are easy, healthy and tasty! Choose the meal plan that best serves your individual or family’s nutritional needs including: Keto + Paleo, Plant-Powered or Balanced Living. Click here to learn more about Green Chef and get a special discount on your first order!

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344919301703?via%3Dihub

https://www.corrconcepts.com/sustainability-101/why-sustainability/

There's a New Kid on the Guac! (Dos Toros Taqueria)

Dos Toros Taqueria Chicago, IL

My husband and I got a "behind the scenes" look and taste at Dos Toros Taqueria in Chicago. And I gotta tell ya, I'm feeling what they're bringing to the table! We took our "Taco Tuesday" up a notch and dined at the Loop location situated just along the river. 

The Vibe

Dos Toros brings the Northern California vibe and fare to Chicago! From sourcing only naturally raised meats to composting their kitchen waste, this company takes sustainability seriously. The "little" things matter at Dos Toros, as all of the restaurant tables are made from reclaimed wood, and the receipt paper is even BPA-free. The company also gives back to the local community by donating to schools and partnering with non-profits. It was an good atmosphere to relax and enjoy a good meal and cerveza.

The Menu

The menu offers a wide-range of options, you can choose to build-your-own: tacos, salad, burrito, or quesadilla. For each menu category they also offer a vegan option called "market vegetables" which includes a fresh mixture of seasonal squash & greens, with cremini mushrooms & shishito peppers. 

Some of my recommendations include:

Pork + Chicken Tacos

The meat was so tender on its own, it was cooked just right and was delicious. We garnished our tacos with homemade salsa, rice, cheese, and guac. They gave us generous portions of the guac AND it only cost 45 cents extra, which is actually cheaper than some of the competitors. 

Burrito

The burrito shells are the perfect consistency to be able to hold everything together, while still allowing the taste of all the fresh ingredients to come through. We were actually shocked at how thin the shell was, because it didn't break apart or leak through, and most importantly didn't overpower all the good stuff inside! 

Another aspect of the burrito I was able to appreciate was their signature layer of cheese. They melt a fresh piece of queso right on the tortilla shell prior to building the burrito, it was almost just as much fun to watch this process as was to eat it! The flour and corn tortillas are also GMO free. 

Salad Bowl

The theme behind the salad is Go Big AND Go Home, because you'll have enough to fill-up now and still have some leftover for dinner and maybe even lunch the next day. They don't skimp on the ingredients and they pack the salad bowls sky-high with a rainbow of fresh ingredients including: meat or veggie, rice option, lettuce, beans, salsa, cheese, and guac. You can garnish your bowl with crumbled tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette salad dressing. 

The Ingredients

All of the meat is naturally raised with no hormones or antibiotics, which is something that I strongly value in my food. As mentioned above, the shells are also GMO-free. Additionally, I was told that they work with a local vendor in Chicago to supply some of their tortillas. 

If you're in downtown Chicago and craving a filling yet somewhat healthy meal, check this place out! Honestly, I could eat Mexican food every day of the week and I was overall pretty impressed with my experience here. Dos Toros, you guac my world!  

Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna: A mexican twist on the traditional comfort food! And it will fill-up the family for more than one dinner! I used all organic ingredients. If you are vegetarian, leave out the meat and add extra beans. For vegan or dairy-free use all beans and a plant or nut based cheese instead. 

Ingredients:

-Small corn shells
-1lb grass fed ground beef
-1/2 package of mild shredded cheddar (I like the thicker 365 brand bc melts like mozzarella)
-1 can garbanzo beans
-1 can black beans
-2 bell peppers (color of your choice)
-1 handful of romaine lettuce
-1 handful of fresh parsley
-Organic taco seasoning packet
-1 Tsp cumin
-1/2 an avocado
-1 container of salsa (I prefer the 365 black bean corn salsa)

RECIPE:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Brown the ground beef on stove top, mix with taco seasoning. At the same time add a drizzle of olive oil and heat can of garbanzo beans, black beans and diced bell peppers with cumin in a pan on low to medium heat. 

2. Once meat is done add the bell pepper/bean mixture to the the meat pan and stir. Add jar of salsa and mix well. 

3. Spray the bottom of Pyrex dish or wipe with olive oil. Add 6 corn tortilla shells for the bottom layer. Then top with the meat mixture, then cover with shredded cheese. After that, repeat the next layer by adding another 6 shells, then meat mixture, then cheese. 

4. Cook in oven at 350 for 20-25 minutes, until shells are crispy. Let cool and top with chopped romaine lettuce, cilantro and diced Avocado--can also drizzle on some fresh lyme juice. Cut with a knife and serve with spatula like lasagna.

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES

Try this recipe as a healthier alternative to wings! It's super easy + you can bring your own taste to it by selection which sauce you would like to garnish with! 

Ingredients:

• One head of organic cauliflower
• 1 cage-free egg
• Pink salt + pepper
• 1 garlic clove
• Organic or Natural Buffalo Sauce (I like Tessemae's Mild Buffalo Sauce)
• 1 -2 cups of almond flour

Recipe:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper(optional)
• Wash and separate the cauliflower into smaller florets
• Mix 1 egg with dash of pepper, pink salt + garlic in bowl
• Add 1 cup of almond flour to large plate and spread out
• Dip each floret one-by-one into the egg mixture and then cover with flour (might need to add more flour to the plate depending on how much cauliflower you have)
• Add florets to baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes
• Let bites cool, then garnish with your favorite sauce. I use Tessemae's All Natural Mild Buffalo Sauce because the ingredients are good quality, but Whole Foods has some good options I have used as well! 

Serve with blue cheese and celery for the ultimate tailgating snack or party app!