From Leftovers to Love
Sustainability in Every Bite
On my flight back home from the eMerge Global tech conference in Miami, I was captivated by all the motivational messaging from their keynote speakers, including using AI for good. It was during my flight home that I stumbled upon a movie that would profoundly impact my perspective on sustainability and business: "Beyond Zero."
The film chronicles the inspiring journey of the CEO of a global public company who undergoes a life-changing epiphany. After a sales call is shut down due to environmental concerns, the CEO embarks on a high-stakes quest to eliminate all negative environmental impacts by 2020. This endeavor challenges the status quo and ignites a new industrial revolution, offering an inspirational roadmap for businesses to reverse climate change.
Here are some testimonials about the film:
"Beyond Zero tells a powerful and hugely hopeful story about what it means to build a business around restoring the earth and just why we must reimagine capitalism to heal the world — and ourselves." - Rebecca Henderson, Professor, Harvard Business School
"Ray Anderson transformed his company, but more so, he transformed the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of people. This is a must-see film for any business leader who wants her company to survive and thrive in the challenging years ahead." - Joel Makower, Chairman & Executive Editor, GreenBiz Group Inc.
The CEO's journey in "Beyond Zero" highlights the transformative power of sustainability in business. Through his personal hero quest, he discovers that sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also have positive economic impacts. This resonates well with business owners, demonstrating that doing the right thing can also be financially rewarding.
Here are five practical tips for adjusting behaviors to help the environment and personal spending:
Meal Planning: Reduce food waste and overbuying by planning meals in advance.
Fabric Napkins: Use fabric napkins instead of paper napkins to reduce waste.
Reusable Water Bottle: Carry a dishwasher-safe water bottle and refill it instead of using disposable water bottles.
Composting: Reduce waste and the use of plastic trash bags by composting organic materials.
Alternative Transportation: Walk, ride a bike, or share a ride with a friend to run errands, reducing carbon emissions from vehicles.
By implementing these simple yet impactful changes, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future while also saving money and reducing waste. "Beyond Zero" serves as a reminder that sustainability is not just a responsibility but also a pathway to success in business and beyond.
During my time at the eMerge Global tech conference, I had the pleasure of meeting the CEO of a company called Cheffy. This encounter shed light on how AI is being used for good in everyday life. Cheffy is an app that you can download on your phone, which is AI-driven and revolutionizes meal planning. It has the remarkable ability to observe the contents of your refrigerator, track expiration dates, and suggest recipes based on the food you have on hand. Additionally, Cheffy helps you create grocery lists for items you need to complete your desired recipes, streamlining the shopping process and reducing food waste. This innovative application not only simplifies meal planning but also promotes sustainable practices by encouraging efficient use of ingredients and reducing unnecessary purchases.
And speaking of meal planning, let's dive into a delicious recipe that perfectly embodies the concept of using what you have on hand to create something extraordinary. If you're like me, you probably have moments where you find yourself with leftover cooked chicken and a can of Pillsbury biscuits tucked away in the fridge. Well, fret not, because I have just the recipe to turn those simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Pillsbury Biscuits.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Pillsbury Biscuits:
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), frozen or fresh
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated biscuits
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Open the can of Pillsbury biscuits and place them on top of the chicken mixture in a single layer, covering as much of the surface as possible.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the biscuits.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Pillsbury Biscuits!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices, or swapping out the vegetables and protein to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
