NoDa Arts District: Looking Ahead To A (Hopefully) More Eco-Friendly 2021

Press release from the NoDa Arts District:

Nicole Peterson

April 7, 2021

The pandemic has certainly changed how we gather outside, as well as other environmental efforts. From masks to gloves to shortages of goods, the pandemic has made it hard to be eco-friendly. But it has also opened up new opportunities in NoDa and elsewhere. We’d love to hear how you’ve adapted your environmentally-friendly efforts – I’m sharing mine here to get us started!

series on how to reduce waste

I certainly have missed my NoDa neighbors, since now I just wave at people I semi-recognize through masks. I know this year has been tough on all of us, likely in very different ways. I had to give up some of my low-waste habits, but we do what we need to as we go through tough times. Hopefully 2021 will see more opportunities for sustainable living without as much social distancing (and with fewer takeout containers!).

What I made instead: I’m really lucky that my mom was a home ec teacher because that meant I could sew masks and bake bread, both of which made pandemic life easier (and tastier). I started ordering glass bottles of yeast, rather than packets, which would have reduced waste a little bit more except it was usually shipped. We also made broth from scraps, using my Instant Pot (both that and the breadmaker got used a lot this year!).

Habits I’ll be keeping: We started a CSA box and another local food delivery service before the pandemic. While I still have to google what kohlrabi is and how to cook it, the variety has been fun. Since my pandemic philosophy has been to slow down and do more things I enjoy, cooking has taken more of a central role. I certainly hope to keep this attitude even as we start getting out of our homes more.

This press release was produced by the NoDa Arts District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.