585: Douglas McMaster, part2: If a restaurant can run with no trash, we can too
May 28, 2022
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Douglas McMaster, founder of a restaurant that uses no trash cans, discusses topics such as fermentation and mycelium furniture. They also explore the challenges of sustainable living, changing food habits, and the problem of waste and consumerism. The speakers touch on the importance of regenerative agriculture, connecting people to natural food, and the difficulties of communicating radical ideas.
Fermentation offers a sustainable and inclusive solution for achieving zero waste and upcycling food by incorporating all byproducts.
Humanity's obsession with consumerism goes against the harmony and balance that nature seeks, prompting the need for a shift in behaviors and trends.
Adopting a more balanced approach to cleanliness and reducing the obsession with sterility can help reduce waste and improve gut health.
Deep dives
Importance of Conscious Consumption
The podcast delves into the deeply embedded consumerism in human behavior and how it affects our relationship with nature. By being aware of our consumption habits, we can redirect our behaviors and trends towards more sustainable and ethical practices.
The Power of Fermentation
Fermentation is highlighted as an elegant way to close the loop in achieving zero waste. It is described as the ultimate way to upcycle food by including all byproducts, turning them into valuable and delicious creations. Fermented foods are seen as inclusive of scraps and surplus, providing a robust and sustainable solution.
Reflection on Abstract Thoughts and Human Nature
The conversation explores how humans are unique due to their ability to think abstractly and create imagined realities. This raises the question of how humanity's obsessive consumerist behavior is deeply ingrained and goes against the harmony and balance that nature seeks.
The Need for Balance in Sterility and Cleanliness
The importance of balance in cleanliness and sterility is discussed, as humans have become overly obsessed with cleanliness. By adopting a more robust attitude towards food freshness and expiration dates, as well as reducing the obsession with sterility, society can reduce waste and enhance gut health.
Navigating Resistance and Pushback
The conversation acknowledges the resistance and challenges faced when communicating radical ideas and values. It emphasizes the importance of making peace with resistance, being empathetic, and working towards change despite apathy and opposition.
When a man who founded a restaurant that uses no trash cans meets a guy who doesn't fly and hasn't filled a load of trash since 2019, we start by expressing mutual appreciation. Anyone can do these things. It's a matter of doing it.
Doing it leads to experiencing similar challenges and overcoming them, facing similar resistance from people saying it's impossible, and enjoying similar feelings of reward at living by our values.
Doug shares stories we can learn from of. One that I love is on fermentation. I'd started doing it and loving how simple it is, but hadn't heard the glory Doug shares of making it a major part of the kitchen. I'm fermenting more all the time.
Also mycelium, fungus, which they make furniture out of, made from old grain. Yes, they grow furniture from fungus!
Listen for more ways to avoid creating trash and rampant, soul-destroying consumerism.