WIN Sustainably's Co-Founder Named Sustainability Star of the Month: Insights on Food Waste Reduction
At WIN Sustainably, our commitment to reducing food waste and promoting circular economy practices in the F&B industry is at the heart of everything we do. We're thrilled to announce that our co-founder, Kaoutar Makrache, has been recognized as the Sustainability Star of the Month by Shift Eco. This acknowledgment not only highlights Kaoutar's personal journey but also shines a light on the impactful work we're doing at WIN Sustainably.
In this inspiring interview, Kaoutar shares her unique background, the challenges she's faced, and the innovative solutions we're implementing to combat food waste in the UAE. From saving over 30 tons of CO2e in just two months to feeding families and reducing environmental impact, discover how WIN Sustainably is revolutionizing the way we think about surplus food in the F&B sector.
Read on to learn about Kaoutar's inspiring journey, practical tips for sustainable living, and how WIN Sustainably is making a real difference in the fight against food waste.
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Sustainability Star of the Month- Kaoutar Makrache By Shift Eco July 15, 2024 3 Mins read
Tell us about yourself
I am Kaoutar, a working mom of three toddlers. Born and raised in Belgium, I had the privilege of being raised by two sets of parents: my biological parents, who are Moroccan immigrants, and my foster family, a big Belgian family led by inspirational entrepreneurs who owned a fruit and vegetable shop. Growing up, I witnessed how excess and misshaped fruits and vegetables were utilized at home. Everything we ate was made with love, and food was never wasted. We would share it with friends or neighbors and feed our pets with any leftovers.
Eight years ago, I moved to Dubai, where managing food in such a climate presents numerous challenges, often leading to excessive food loss. This sparked the idea for our business model, WIN Sustainably. WIN Sustainably focuses on repurposing excess and near-expiry food through circularity in the F&B world.
What inspired you to embrace eco-friendly practices and make a shift towards sustainability
My journey towards sustainability was a gradual process. It began with my curiosity about how food abundance was managed. This led me to research the environmental impact, the resources and processes involved in food production, and the journey food takes to reach the UAE. I explored the relationship between regulation and food loss, the alternatives for non-edible food, and ways to build circularity within the industry. I learned about CSR frameworks and how both corporates and individuals can make mindful choices that benefit our planet and wallets. Realizing that there is so much within our control, I became dedicated to setting a positive example for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
What are the primary steps you take to integrate eco-friendly practices into your lifestyle?
Education is key, and viewing this as a journey with no right or wrong answers is essential. I focus on what I can do today. For instance, when grocery shopping, I prioritize the promo section and adjust my meal plan based on what is available. I choose locally produced fruits and vegetables or those from neighboring countries instead of distant ones. We dine at local restaurants or cafeterias and always carry refillable water bottles, reducing our plastic usage. Our family is known as the "reusable bottle family." We reuse or recycle any plastic we do have and opt for second-hand options for items like bicycles and toys. These small steps collectively make a significant impact.
Share some of the most effortless yet impactful eco-friendly changes you've made in your daily routine.
Almost eight years ago, I stopped buying fast fashion for my family and significantly reduced our plastic use, starting with toys and shopping bags. Instead of buying wrapping paper, we use old newspapers or my children's artwork. We avoid disposable cups and in my business, we chose not to repack and brand surplus food to serve the greater good rather than our immediate exposure needs.
What difficulties have you encountered while striving to live in an environmentally conscious manner?
Commitment and extra effort are required initially, as eco-friendly practices are not yet embedded in our society. It can be challenging to repeatedly explain and justify why I am "so picky" and why I can't just do what others are doing.
Describe a rewarding moment on your sustainability journey
A significant reward has been our contribution to saving carbon emissions. In the past two months, at WIN Sustainably we have worked closely with distributors and wholesalers to save over 30 tons of CO2e, proving that sustainability is beneficial for both business and the planet. Socially, this is enough to feed ten people for a full year. The most rewarding part is doing this alongside my husband, an Omani-Emirati with in-depth market insights, and involving our children in our work. They see our hard work and the positive results, which is incredibly fulfilling.
What are some misconceptions about being eco-friendly that you'd like to debunk?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that eco-friendly practices are costly and that individuals cannot make a significant impact.
How do you plan on continuing your sustainability journey? What other aspects do you plan to change?
I aim to do more each day, inspired by the idea of boosting the local economy in emirates like Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain, while collaborating with the talented people living there. I also plan to collaborate more with NGOs, and the public and private sectors to further our sustainability efforts.
Lastly, how do you think we can ensure that eco-friendly options and choices are available and attainable for a diverse range of individuals?
It starts with education and small actions. By educating people and encouraging them to take small, manageable steps, we can collectively make a significant impact.
https://blogs.shifteco.ae/monthly-highlights/sustainability-star-of-the-month-kaoutar-makrache/