At Artizan, we believe that great food doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet. That’s why we’ve embraced zero waste cooking to make a positive impact. From creative ingredient use to thoughtful menu planning, we’re showing how a little innovation can go a long way in reducing waste and delivering exceptional meals.
WHAT IS A ZERO WASTE MENU?
Zero waste cooking is all about making the most of every ingredient, from root to stem and peel to core. It’s a sustainable approach to food that minimises waste, supports local ecosystems, and keeps delicious, nutritious meals on the table. At Artizan, we’ve taken this concept to heart, finding innovative ways to transform potential waste into culinary treasures.
HOW WE IMPLEMENT ZERO WASTE COOKING
Here at Artizan, we’ve integrated zero waste principles into every aspect of our cooking. Here’s how we do it:
1. Food Education Through Creativity
When life gives us spotted bananas, we bake banana bread! Overripe bananas might not look appealing, but they’re perfect for creating moist, flavourful bread. It’s a simple yet delicious way to reduce food waste while offering a comforting treat. A big part of our zero waste journey involves sharing knowledge and inspiring others to think differently about food. We believe education is key to reducing waste, and we’re constantly coming up with creative concepts to illustrate this. For instance, our banana bread site demonstration helped people see the potential in ingredients that might otherwise be discarded, whilst having fun along the way!
2. Root-to-Stem Creativity
Here at Artizan, we love finding ways to make the most of every bit of veg. It’s all about working smarter and wasting less. Take carrot tops—who knew they make a cracking pesto? Or broccoli stems—we shred them into slaws or dice them into soups. Even potato peels get their moment, turned into crispy, seasoned chips that always go down a treat. It’s simple ideas like these that help us keep our menus fresh, flavourful, and kinder to the planet.

3. Leftovers, Reinvented
We’re big believers in giving leftovers a second chance. Here at Artizan, we don’t see scraps, we see possibilities. Roast chicken bones and veg trimmings? They’re perfect for rich, hearty stocks that bring our soups and sauces to life. Day-old bread? It’s never wasted—we turn it into golden croutons or a gorgeous bread pudding. It’s all about being clever with what we have and creating something special in the process.
4. Seasonal and Local Focus
We’re lucky in Ireland to have such amazing produce right on our doorstep, and at Artizan we like to make the most of it. By using seasonal and local ingredients, we’re not just getting the freshest, tastiest food—we’re also cutting down on food miles and supporting local farmers. When you’re working with ingredients at their peak, it’s easier to create dishes that really shine, and there’s less chance of things going to waste. It’s a win for everyone.
5. Creative Menu Planning
When we’re planning our corporate catering menus, we always think ahead. How can we make the most of what we’re using? It might mean herbs in a marinade that also show up in a salad dressing, or that leftover roasted veg finds its way into a soup or frittata. It’s all about being smart with ingredients, so nothing goes to waste. Plus, it means we’re always ready to adapt to what our clients need—no two events are ever the same, and we like it that way.
WHY ZERO WASTE MATTERS
The benefits of zero waste cooking extends far beyond the kitchen:
- Environmental Impact: By reducing food waste, we’re helping to lower methane emissions from landfills and conserve resources used in food production.
- Cost Savings: Efficient use of ingredients keeps costs down—savings we pass along to our clients.
- Community Support: Sourcing locally supports our farmers and strengthens our community.
At Artizan, we’re proud to lead by example, showing how corporate catering can be both sustainable and delicious. Whether it’s a team lunch or a large event, our zero waste menus prove that mindful cooking is better for the planet and the palate.
If you would like further information, email our office at [email protected] or call us on 01-6624848.