In Bengaluru, I recently attended a special gathering called the Serial Upcyclers Club meet-up, where culinary enthusiasts and sustainability advocates converged for an ‘upcycled’ pizza party. This unique event was hosted by the dynamic duo of chef, food researcher, and entrepreneur Elizabeth Yorke and artisanal baker Pranav Ullal. Together, they showcased a delightful array of snacks and beverages crafted from what we commonly perceive as “food waste.” Stepping into Ullal’s bakery, Loafer & Co., I found myself immersed in a milieu brimming with ingenuity and creativity.

Ullal shared insights from his culinary journey, including a course in California where he studied under a food historian specializing in recreating 17th-century bread. He learned about the historical practice of brewers and bakers working in tandem, sharing ingredients and by-products in what was essentially a ‘closed-loop system.’ This historical model intrigued him, particularly the use of spent grain, which sparked his interest in incorporating it into his work in India.

Meanwhile, Yorke has forged partnerships with numerous breweries across the city to obtain spent grains, aiming to divert these food by-products from landfills. Through these collaborations, she not only addresses food waste but also fosters a collective environmental effort within the food and beverage industry.

Their innovative approach highlights the concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused and repurposed, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. By transforming ingredients like spent grain, kombucha SCOBY, and cascara (coffee cherry husks), they demonstrate the potential to create delicious and sustainable food and beverages.

This initiative resonates deeply within the context of sustainability and environmental consciousness. It showcases how individuals and businesses can play a pivotal role in reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption practices. Moreover, it underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in driving positive change.

The Serial Upcyclers Club meet-up serves as a platform for like-minded individuals to come together, share ideas, and inspire one another to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It’s a celebration of creativity, ingenuity, and a shared commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

In essence, this gathering exemplifies the ethos of sustainability, where every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement towards a more harmonious relationship with the planet. Through their dedication and passion, Yorke, Ullal, and their fellow upcyclers are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the people news.