15 Dec Rachel Mallows- Sustainability: planet, people and profit

Beneath the façade, I’ve always thought of myself as an earth mother.  It is the essence of who I am but may not be the representation of me to the outside world.  And, like most people, there is lots to work on to make me a true green goddess; but that is the journey towards sustainability and individual, community, company and government goals in this arena.  We can always be better.

So the chance to listen to food and drink businesses in 2020 and 2021 about doing something to rescue waste food and demonstrate to their clients, stakeholders and staff that they are on a sustainability journey was just too tempting.  Working with Northamptonshire ACRE we found a partnership approach that has been developmental, educational and fun.  The ‘Full Circle’ project which comes to an end this month* was of its time, but unfortunately not timely in its execution!  Delays outside of all our control led to a 2021 project being delivered in 2022 and who knew that the perfect storm of a European war, cost of living and energy price rises and the aftermath of the EU exit, has led businesses to concentrate on their own sustainability first, or alongside, the requirements for the planet.

But, all that being said, the ways of recording our journey to net zero on Zellar or promoting food that can be rescued by foodbanks on Food Loop, have highlighted and encouraged that very accomplished art of relationship building.  Conversations have led to solutions, problems have led to innovations and learning has really dominated the agenda.  Technology has provided a platform (forgive the pun) to actually get some of the basics in place to build the sustainable food place network.

We are fortunate in Northamptonshire to have a range of support organisations and passionate individuals who want to make a difference in food and drink.  They are collecting around the Sustainable Food Network North Northamptonshire because they can see the potential to enhance many of these food relationships.  Made in Northamptonshire is a proud partner of the network and The Mallows Company helps with the delivery of the programme alongside Northamptonshire ACRE.  However, it is the encouragement from the individual businesses and food banks that makes the difference.  So thank you to all who have been part of it so far and if you haven’t then please consider doing so.  We work with those who want to publicise their activities and those who don’t.  The cost is free to be part of, but expensive to the planet if we don’t do anything.

Rachel Mallows, Earth Mother in hiding