This is the latest installment in Vanessa Barrington's weekly column, The Green Plate, on the environmental, social, and political issues related to what and how we eat.
When I set out to put together a list of influential eco-chefs, I began by thinking of chefs I know or local chefs whose work I'm familiar with. Then I went to the chefs who are super-famous and whose work has inspired many to think about where their food comes from and how it was raised. There are so many more chefs who could qualify because they support local food systems and honor the people who raise food sustainably, but I chose to focus on those chefs who consciously incorporate sustainable principals into everything they do and educate while they are doing it.My first surprise was that I had a hard time coming up with names of many women who bill themselves as eco-chefs. They aren't top of news, therefore, not top of mind. I was disappointed. I had to dig a little deeper and even ask some of the male chefs for women chefs they admired to get a little gender balance into the list.
Here's a list of eco-chefs who live and work the ethos every day. Some are famous, some well-known in their areas, and some are up-and-coming chefs you maybe haven't heard of. Granted this list is subjective as there are likely numerous regional chefs all over the country doing amazing work. So please pipe up and share your favorites. And ladies? I know you're out there so please tell us about yourselves. (Click to See Listing)
