“Kids today don’t know this. Treats from scraps” – zero waste cooking in Bojszowy

Childhood flavors and modern environmental awareness brought generations together during a culinary workshop in Bojszowy

On June 19, 2025, the Senior+ Social Services Center in Bojszowy Nowe filled with the scent of garlic, bread, and fond memories. This was thanks to the culinary workshop titled “Kids today don’t know this. Treats from scraps,” held as part of an ecological initiative led by Joanna Dudek, the eco-manager of Bojszowy Commune. The goal of the event was to show that zero waste in the kitchen isn’t a trend—it’s a return to values long known and practiced by older generations.

Don’t throw it away—use it

The meeting began with a trip down memory lane. Seniors recalled dishes from times of scarcity, many of which would now be at home in sustainable living cookbooks. Together, they compiled a list of childhood snacks, one-pot meals made from leftovers, and clever tips that helped ensure nothing in the kitchen went to waste.

The highlight of the workshop was a hands-on cooking session: the preparation of wodzionka, one of the most traditional Silesian soups. Some participants, despite being from Silesia, admitted they were tasting this dish for the first time. Everyone made their own bowl, choosing from various types of bread, garlic, butter or lard, and seasoning to their own preferences.

Cooking as environmental education

The workshop offered more than just flavor—it was also a reminder of the importance of mindful resource use. Conversations emphasized that the older generation, often out of necessity, had long embraced what we now call the circular economy. Rather than learning new recipes, the participants rediscovered the value of kitchen recycling—reusing potato peels, stale bread, or leftover vegetables.

Everyone agreed: reducing food waste is not just about saving money, but also about protecting the environment and improving air quality—especially given the emissions tied to food production and disposal.

Hungry for more

The event concluded with a shared meal and plans for future workshops. Full bellies and even fuller minds were the best proof that environmental education for seniors can be both effective and heartwarming—especially when it takes place around the kitchen table in a spirit of mutual respect and knowledge-sharing.