Carlow County Council is delighted to announce the publication of Saved & Savoured – Celebrating Carlow’s Food Without the Waste, an inspiring new community‑driven recipe book that celebrates the very best of Carlow’s culinary creativity while helping households take simple, practical steps to reduce food waste.
The book was officially launched on 24th March at Ballykealey House Hotel during the Embracing Change event, where contributors, community partners, and local food advocates came together to celebrate this vibrant, collaborative achievement.
Inspired and led by Dee Sewell, Environmental Awareness Officer at Carlow County Council, and thoughtfully curated by Denise Walsh and Olivia Goodwillie, Saved & Savoured brings together an impressive collection of recipes and expert tips from chefs, food producers, and home cooks across County Carlow. Each contributor shares easy, inventive ways to transform commonly wasted ingredients—such as stale bread, wilting vegetables, or leftover potatoes—into wholesome, flavour‑packed meals. Seasonal guides, waste‑saving “food buster” tips, and clever substitution ideas make sustainable cooking achievable for every household.
Speaking at the launch, Dee Sewell said: “Food waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face, but it’s also one of the easiest places to start making a difference. This book shows that with a little creativity and care, we can save money, support local producers, and protect our planet—one meal at a time. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who contributed and of the community spirit that brought this project to life.”
Reflecting Carlow’s strong commitment to climate action, the book highlights the environmental impact of food waste while offering simple, empowering solutions rooted in local produce and resourcefulness. With Irish households wasting around 120kg of food each year, Saved & Savoured aims to inspire daily habits that collectively make a meaningful difference - supporting local growers, stretching household budgets, and reducing carbon emissions along the way.
The publication is now available to borrow through the Library service Borrow Box and in all County Carlow library branches. It will also be provided free of charge to community groups who book Food Waste talks with Dee Sewell. These engaging workshops help communities, groups, and schools build practical skills to prevent waste, shop smarter, cook creatively, and better understand the environmental footprint of everyday food choices.
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support and collaboration of local chefs, Carlow Food Network members, Carlow Tourism, food producers, photographers, editors, and community partners who shared their time, creativity, and expertise. Their passion for Carlow’s food heritage and sustainable living shines through every page.
Saved & Savoured is a celebration of community, creativity, and climate‑conscious cooking. By embracing small changes in how we shop, store, and cook food, Carlow households can turn everyday actions into powerful climate solutions - one delicious meal at a time.
For more information or to book a workshop, please contact Dee Sewell at dsewell@carlowcoco.ie.