At Manoir de Kerozet, we try to be mindful of our impact on the environment. We compost, we collect rainwater, we feed some of our food scraps to the chickens… and, like everyone else, we’re far from perfect. But we believe that a multitude of small actions is better than grand resolutions we never keep.
Today, let's talk about a habit that many of us have: pouring the oil from a can of tuna, mackerel, or sardines directly down the sink.
In reality, this oil doesn't just magically disappear. It can clog pipes, disrupt the proper functioning of sewage systems, and complicate wastewater treatment.
The good news is that there are some very simple solutions.
If you don't want to reuse it, soak up the few remaining drops with a piece of paper towel before throwing it in the trash. For larger quantities, pour it into a sealed container rather than down the sink, or drop it off at a cooking oil collection point if your municipality offers one.
But our favorite solution is still cooking to reduce food waste.
The oil from canned fish is already flavorful. It can add a lot of flavor to your recipes. As long as you store it in the refrigerator in a clean container and use it quickly (within two or three days), it can become a valuable ingredient.
Here are a few ideas:
Make a vinaigrette with a little lemon juice and mustard;
sauté garlic or onions before making a pasta dish;
sprinkle water on the vegetables before roasting them in the oven;
to add flavor to a quiche, a savory cake, or a potato salad;
make delicious tuna or mackerel rillettes.
On the other hand, if your canned food is in mustard, tomato, or another sauce, it's best to use the contents directly in your recipe rather than saving the liquid.
And anyway, just between us… Henri totally agrees with this tip!
At home, he’s usually the one in charge of cleaning the grease trap. So every time oil doesn’t end up in the sink, it means a little less work for him. I think it’s even his favorite way to help the environment!
It just goes to show that a simple habit can be good for the pipes, for the environment… and for keeping the peace at home.
What about you? Do you have a simple tip for reducing food waste that everyone should know? If so, share it with us. The best ideas are often the simplest.