As foodies, we’re all so enamored by the stories behind what’s on our plate—from where each ingredient was sourced (Who grew this? Who picked this?) to where it fits in the narrative of the place where we are eating. But what about the parts of the animals and vegetables that get left behind? Reducing food waste is not a novel concept, and it feels quite trendy right now. But how practical is it, and how much is it really being done?

Our guest on today’s show is Conor Spacey, a chef, author, and activist whose work revolves around how to reduce the noise created by our industrial food system so chefs and consumers have the practical knowledge they need to make informed food choices. Spacey is the culinary director of Food Space, a catering business that helps companies create healthy and sustainable food programs for their employees, and the author of a Blasta Books cookbook called Wasted, whose recipes focus on the most wasted food products in the common kitchen.

On this week’s show, we speak with Conor about policy solutions to problems in the food system; developing relationships with the people who grow your food; and our experiences being vegan and vegetarian. We also talk about how to meet people where they are at when discussing critical issues like the scourge of food waste at restaurants and at home; why we should all eat more plant-based foods; and—Kate’s favorite—the horrors of salmon farming.  

Dyed Green is a project of Bog & Thunder, whose mission is to highlight the best of Irish food and culture, through food tours, events, and media. Find out more at bogandthunder.com.

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