By preparing pumpkin soups, breads, pies, and lattes, we can contribute to feeding the planet and mitigating issues related to climate change!
One of the most significant ways that using pumpkins as food helps combat climate change is by reducing food waste. In the United States, it is estimated that over one billion pounds of pumpkins are produced annually, with a large portion ending up in landfills after Halloween. When these pumpkins decompose in landfills, they produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is significantly more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. By utilizing pumpkins for cooking and baking instead of discarding them, we can minimize their contribution to landfill waste and consequently reduce methane emissions.
After Halloween, the humble pumpkin still has much to offer. There are countless recipes available, ranging from the iconic pumpkin pie, a Thanksgiving staple in the US, to soups, breads, curries, and cakes. Pumpkin seeds are touted for their health advantages, including aiding sleep, regulating blood sugar, and managing cholesterol levels. Additionally, the craft beer company Toast Ale has devised a home-brewed pumpkin beer recipe that resourcefully incorporates surplus bread.
When pumpkins are used as food rather than discarded, any leftover scraps can be composted. Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments that enhance soil health and promote plant growth. Healthy soils play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, thus contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Moreover, composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can emit nitrous oxide—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide—when applied to crops.
By choosing to consume pumpkins and other locally sourced foods, consumers support local farmers and sustainable agricultural practices that often have lower carbon footprints compared to industrial farming methods. This local focus not only reduces transportation emissions but also fosters community resilience against climate impacts by promoting diverse cropping systems.
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