Are you passionate about the planet and love cooking up delicious dishes? Join our EcoRecipe Challenge and showcase your culinary skills while making a positive impact on the environment!

 

We're looking for creative, sustainable, and mouthwatering plant-based recipes that prioritize local, seasonal ingredients, minimize food waste and packaging, and reduce your carbon footprint. Not only will you be contributing to a greener world, but you'll also have the chance to win exciting prizes!

 

If you're ready to make a difference one dish at a time, become an EcoCook and submit your EcoRecipe today!

 

Key Dates

The EcoRecipe Challenge is open for entries between March 18 to April 18, 2025. 

The Challenge
Create a sustainable, plant-base recipe that meets the criteria below.

The Prizes
Best Adult EcoCook (for individuals 19 years or older)

Prize package valued at $400 total:

- $200 gift card at Lakehouse Home Store & Kitchens

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Best Youth EcoCook (for individuals 18 years or younger)

Prize package valued at $280 total:

Your EcoRecipe may even be featured in future EcoCooks campaigns and promotions!
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How to win

​A panel of EcoCooks School Educators will determine the winners based on the EcoRecipe criteria below.

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EcoRecipe Criteria

1. Plant-Based Ingredients:

All recipes must be 100% plant-based, avoiding animal products such as meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs.

Why? Animal agriculture is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water consumption. By opting for plant-based ingredients, we reduce the environmental impact of food production and contribute to a more sustainable food system. 

2. Sustainable Sourcing:

Where possible, source seasonal ingredients from sustainable, local, and/or organic producers.

Why? Seasonal, local, and organic foods reduces transportation emissions and minimizes harmful chemicals that can degrade soil and water quality.

3. Minimize Food Waste:

Recipes should aim to use whole ingredients (e.g. utilizing all parts, like stems, leaves, and peels) and create minimal food waste. If possible, include suggestions for repurposing leftovers or unused ingredients.

Why? Food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in landfills. By designing recipes that use whole foods and minimize waste, we contribute to a more sustainable and circular food system.

4. Minimal Packaging:

Recipes should aim to use ingredients with minimal packaging, encouraging the use of bulk purchasing and avoiding excess plastic.

Why? Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue. Using ingredients with little or no packaging helps reduce the demand for single-use plastics, which often end up polluting the environment.

5. Nutritional Balance:

The recipe should aim to include a variety of nutritious ingredients as described in Canada’s Food Guide - https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/food-guide-snapshot/.

6. Creativity and Flavour:

Bonus points for recipes showcasing creativity, deliciousness, and presentation.

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​How to Submit

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1. ​ Sign up for our newsletter here and get sustainable recipes, tips and more!

2.  Email marketing@uncf.ca the following:

• At least one high-quality photo of your dish

• Detailed instructions on ingredients, measurements, preparation steps, and cooking times.

• A brief story behind your dish, highlighting its environmental benefits and the inspiration behind it.

• Bonus points for creating a post or reel of your dish and/or EcoRecipe journey on social media and tagging @eco_cooks (Instagram) or EcoCooks (Facebook).

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