Food waste

We are 7 billion people in the world, 1 billion suffers from starvation, and the global food industry produces enough food for 12 billion people.

In Germany 18,4 billion tons of food end up in the trash each year. That is 313 kilograms per second.

40% of foodwaste is produced in our own households, 60% through over-production and formal standards (shape, size, visual appearance). Up to 50% of the food coming from fields is thrown away before it even reaches the shelves of markets.

I have worked in a food store and seen how much good products are thrown away only because there is a tiny rot, black dots or it doesn't look good, although it is still fresh and actually good to eat. While there are millions of people starving in the world, large supermarket chains waste food every day. It makes me angry. 

It is difficult to estimate how much food we will consume. I especially experience it right now, when living independently. My tactic is to plan meals for the next 3 days, not more, and buy fresh food every day in small amounts. Another reason for food waste is wrong storage of fruits and vegetables. Some have to be kept dry, others wet; some belong into the fridge, others don't; certain sorts are not allowed to be stored together. Below you can find information about where and how to store groceries and how much you will extend their life span in such way.

Now let's look on food waste in industrial frame. GMO and pesticides make plants infertile, therefore farmers have to buy new seeds every year. However, everyone knows that the reason for genetic engineering is to make more and better of something. Absurd circle, isn't it?! Between the years of 1903 and 2018 96% of the seed sorts extincted. We are left with 4%.

I really try my best to avoid food waste, and talk about this with my friends and family. Unfortunately, not always we succeed, but good intention and endeavor to change for the better is a step towards greener environment and a friendly hand to someone who needs it.

RECOMMENDED - a documentary about food waste in Australia and one woman who fights it with great success and makes the difference in the rest of the world too.

'Food Fighter': One woman's battle against food waste

This Is Exactly How To Store Your Groceries

   We need to put mental health above everything, make it our priority, and make this matter come out in light. We tend to neglect troubles and affliction, make everyone else believe we are fine, but actually it is merely ruining us much more.
   I support the initiative that some moms give their kids so-called mental health day, in which they are permitted to have a day off from kindergarten. But what about adults? This strategy should be implanted at high schools, universities and workplaces too. We need to create understanding and sympathetic environment, a society that doesn't judge.
   And now the most important - we need to learn to recognize when it is time to stop and take a pause. There is so much pressure from others nowadays, people's expectations are so high. We do our best to fulfill tasks and reach goals, we struggle on our own, despite the fact that we need help. Moreover, we try to help others as much as we can, although we can't cope with our own stuff. Everyone has their own limit of capabilities. Know to stop before it! Before you fall, break and destroy yourself. Don't wait until the moment when you actually want to be broken or injured, because then you will have solid reason to take that goddamn rest from everything and everyone. Don't let the external forces overcome you. You are the ruler of your life! Nothing more matters than your well-being and happiness.
   It is okay to have bad days, and it is okay to take a step back from overwhelming things for a while.

   Please take care of yourself!
   #mentalhealthmatters
   Break the stigma

Ramadan tips: Year 2

Another month of Ramadan has passed for me, and I will share my thoughts about this year. This post won't consist of as many tips as previous one (read it here), but will be filled more with revelations.

• I followed the same eating plan as last year. However, I felt that I did binge eating sometimes, which led to stomach problems. Therefore, I have decided to eat healthy after Ramadan. It's all in head! I have this stupid idea that I should eat as much as I can while I am allowed, even though my organism doesn't require it. It's very wrong and false comprehension of the holy month.
• This year, comparing to the last, fasting was easier. It doesn't matter how much you eat. For example, one morning I didn't feel hungry and was tired that didn't want to wake up for suhoor, but I had it anyway. Other day I missed suhoor, but it turned out to be one of the easiest days fasting-wise.
• I wear more modest clothes than before, even in days when it's hot and sunny. This is my progress.
• I don't want anyone to muslimize me. I want to muslimize by myself. I feel that those stimulations or suggestions (indirect pressure) coming from Muslims repel me from officially accepting Islam sooner. Encouragements are welcomed, though.
• Although I'm still on the path of search, I consider myself as "almost a Muslim" or a Muslim to-be. Although it may seem hesitant and too slow for someone, I know that I am progressing and gradually getting closer to Islam every day. Although I'm not completely practising it, I try to do as much good deeds as possible: make duas, fast, think and act well, be more modest, visit mosques when it is possible, read Quran regularly and learn, learn, learn more about Islam. The last point also includes going to educational/cultural events (like Iftar with Muslims).
• Non-Muslims often say that Ramadan is difficult period for Muslims and they feel sorry for them, but I think Muslims don't suffer at all; every day goes with ease. I also can confirm that. I feel blessed. 
• Time of Ramadan has made me appreciate what we are given. Islam is very logical religion. Everything makes sense to me when I reason. I feel free and fresh after Ramadan. Looking forward to the next, inshallah!

E i d   M u b a r a k !

"Information is power. Disinformation is abuse of power." - Newton Lee


"When it comes to love, don't apply critical thinking. Love is irrational."


"Even in the harshest situations, the human spirit is powerful, courageous and strong."
- Jodi Bieber


"A coward dies a thousand deaths. A soldier dies only once." - David Jakobie


"Confidence is not 'they will like me'. Confidence is 'I'll be fine if they don't'."

Your heart may be healed, but physical wounds will stay as as reminder much longer.
It took 7 months for scars to vanish from my forearm.

Watch your words. They may hurt someone, even though it wasn't your intention.

I'm sick of shit. People's stupidity will never stop to surprise me.

-What are you crying for?
-Because I have no reason to smile
*almost every day*

   When I meet new people, one of the first things I say when introducing mysef, is that I love sports. All kinds of sports. Here come the reasons why I am so passionate about it.

   First of all, I feel good when I am active. Since I have taken periods off, I can notice and compare differences. My organism works and feels better than when I am passive. Also, I feel thinner and lighter during a workout. Another big benefit - I haven't been ill since I exercise regularly. 

   I don't feel hungry and I choose healthier meals.

   Exercise is such a great relaxation/stress reliever/mind reliever. Whenever I do sports, I feel calmer, more relaxed, more lively and happier afterwards. During those hours I don't think about anything. Anything. Even if I tried, I couldn't. That is my time, for myself.

    It gives me motivation to study.
    I looove that feeling after a good workout when you feel tired, but - WELL tired. 

   I may be late for classes, I may arrive later at a party, I may have had a long day, but I will always find time for gym. Even if it means waking up earlier when I could sleep longer or coming home just before midnight to go straight to bed. 

   And no, I haven't always been enthusiastic about sports, although I have been in it since childhood. My love came gradually. At first I didn't enjoy running or lifting weights. Now I do. 

   The quote below is absolutely true, when it comes to physical activity. No workout is easy. It takes your effort, energy (but is energy booster too). You have to struggle, push yourself, challenge yourself and overcome your limits. But it is worth it. You will feel fullfilled.

   Beauty of travelling is in differences. When you face a challenge and see what you actually are capable of. When your boundary of abilities broadens.

   It is in being able to do whatever you want without worrying what others will think because no one knows you. You can be an inconspicuous observer or you can fit in like a local.

   The beauty is in little and simple things that make people happy. In that, that you don't need a particular reason to do something or go out for a walk.

   And after the trip you come back home with new recipes to include in your everyday menu, new lifestyle you would like to implant here and bigger love for your country.

I like differences.

I like wild flowers better than roses that are perfect and all the same. I prefer to turn away from tourist paths and look inside courtyards where only inhabitants go. I like to try 101 types of cheese, not stick to the one. I like to talk to people who come from countries far away and have different background and life experience than me. I like music that mainstream doesn't follow. I like to notice details and take photos from different angles, not just standard panoramic ones. I like to go to new restaurants and spend weekends every time somewhere else. I like to learn about all religions, although there is view that it is a topic better not to be discussed. I am open to try new things, do what I have never done before.

Differences make life more interesting.

Am I dreaming? No, better, I'm living the dream!

     I'm speechless, and words will not be enough to describe what impression a day, spent in Cinque Terre, left on me. Yet, I want to tell everyone about it.

     I used to think I am a big-city girl, but after this trip I now prefer small towns, escaping crowds and getting off tourist paths and being in nature. The trails from one village to another led me along vineyards, olive gardens, cacti, orange and lemon trees, along rustling bushes where birds and lizards hide, along houses of wild cats. While the air in villages smelled of just washed linen, at some places on the hill freshly mowed grass smelled. I exchanged greetings with people who came towards me and wanted to smile all the time.

     (I want to remark that I'm enjoying +19 degrees, sunrays on my skin, walking in short sleeves (in January!!) while my hometown is covered in clouds and freezes in -10 degrees. Haha.)

     I can call this as mine Camino Santiago. Left alone on the path, I thought over many things and came to revelations. I didn't think about difficulties I have went through; on the contrary, only good memories were in my head.

     I'm in awe of Creator's job. One thing is heavenly landscapes that take my breath away. I'm happy to be alive, to be on this planet and see how beautiful it is. I had feeling that I own the world. Yet, I felt so tiny at the bottom of the mountain, that my head was spinning. I have used all adjectives I know, admiring landscapes, when I speak of them.

     I am also moved by how accurately I am settled in the right place at the right time and with right people. I am grateful for the opportunities I am given. I thank myself I didn't give up at the first difficulties and stayed. Like a good, old quote says: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." Time here has been beneficial to me. The place where I am staying does good to me. And people - some people are gold. Keep them close to you and never lose them!

     I have learnt to not get affected by the weather. I mean, not only bad weather can ruin your day. Also a very good, sunny day has power to make you feel miserable if you don't spend it all outdoors or stay in the city. It's okay if you don't feel like doing anything in the best day weather-wise. Another sunny day will come. I have learnt to stop and take a moment to look around. I have learnt to smile and say hello to strangers.

     I will return as a different person - more positive, more life loving. I will be healed. I am happy.