A Pirate’s Guide to Food Waste

A tale told by Nancy J. Zavada

“Eat your food or walk the plank, matey” rang out on all our family camping trips. Summer always reminds me of those days, and I feel obliged to share some of the life lessons those camping trips taught me as they are relevant to our world today.

We learned at an early age to imagine setting sail on a “Pirate Ship” when leaving for a summer adventure. And pirates had very specific rules. You see, a pirate ship had limited supplies and space during a voyage. So, we all had to work closely together. Our ship was not unlike the good ship, Planet Earth.

Imagine yourself on a ship (or a planet) and come along with me as we explore the basic rules.

Pirate Ship Rules:

There is a limited amount of space on board.

Strategy is required to have everything you need and make it all fit. The first order of business is to reduce. Ask yourself if it’s necessary. I mean, how many types of dressing/sauce do you really need? How can you minimize packaging? Use bulk containers that hold more and will serve the purpose for several meals.

The crew (you) must carry your share of the cargo.

That’s right, YOU. Why make more work for yourself? Don’t bring more than you need, because you’ll have to carry, store, cook, and dispose of it. When packing coolers or backpacks, know the meal portions and plan meals in advance.

Everything you bring must have more than one use.

This goes for food and reducing waste. Bread makes great sandwiches AND toast for breakfast. All of the unused ingredients make a wonderful omelet, soup, or salad on the final day. It also goes for eating utensils like cups, plates, and cutlery which will be reused after a good scrubbing.

Everyone shares the food.

Remember to think of others and take only what you can eat. The food must last until you return to port. Ask the cook before grabbing something from the cooler, as it may be needed for another meal. For example, one bag of tortilla chips can make several meals, such as toppings for chili, nachos, and chips for dips. The closest convenience store is not convenient.

All food taken must be eaten; it could be a long voyage.

Clean your plate and leave no waste. The galley isn’t open 24 hours onboard for grazing. Don’t worry, your next meal is coming, and you aren’t going to starve. Also, eat what you are served. Be adventurous.

There is no place to dispose of food waste.

Throwing it overboard is not an option on a ship or on a planet. On a camping trip, it attracts animals. Waste is just that, a waste.

Rum weighs less than beer.

Enough said. Note: refer to the rule on carrying your own cargo.

Is reducing food waste a challenge or an opportunity?

With a little imagination and following a few basic rules, my family made it fun! We had a wonderful time, no one was lacking, and the lessons remain with me today. Likewise, with creativity, simple planning, and engaging your guests, you can do the same with family events, corporate events, and community gatherings.

As the famous pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, said,

Fair Winds!