Faces of Food: Manju Kumar (@zerowastefarmer)

Should I go vegan? How do I compost? What to do with tofu? Millions of followers have now turned to bloggers and influencers online to answer questions like these, learning more about the food they eat. While social media has been tightly linked to negative impacts on issues like diet culture and body shaming, it has also become a place of inspiration for many to learn new recipes and adopt healthier, more sustainable eating practices. So, to learn more about these influencers and what’s going on in their heads, we decided to interview some of them for our new series exploring the intersections of food, sustainability, and social media. 

This next installment is with the food systems visionary and change maker, Manju Kumar. We’re thrilled to be able to share a small slice of her wisdom with you.

GG: Could you tell us a bit about what you do?

M: I'm the president of Brush with Bamboo, the first ever bamboo toothbrush company. I'm also the farm manager for our 501c non-profit Sarvodaya Institute. I'm an advocate for earth, and all beings on this planet, I'm a mother, a farmer, a teacher, a visionary. I'd like for us to slow down and live more sustainably on this planet.

GG: What do you believe is your core mission? 

M: I would like to see us become a more agrarian society and cultivate a more respectful and meaningful relationship with our planet. I believe the indigenous tribes understand and live in a more harmonious way. There is a deep reverence and respect that needs to be revived in our world wide culture.

GG: Has that changed over time?

M: Yes, it continues to deepen as I continue my work.

GG: Why is that?

M: I've been farming for some time now. Farming the way I do, I’ve learned to listen and pay attention. There are lessons and wisdom hidden in nature, the sun, the wind, seasons, cycles, patterns, when you’re connected you understand. I continue to learn from earth and consider her my greatest teacher, she also reveals to me the force of that which we call God.

GG: How did you know that working with food was something you wanted to do?

M: I'm in love with the garden, I believe mankind belongs in the garden, I cannot describe it, but I feel like nurturing the garden, I have an addition to plants, specially fruits, herbs, I enjoy the diversity of the garden, of all living things, I love that plants attract life and are the center of our lives, I believe life revolves around plants, plants feed all species directly or indirectly. They are our universe, and we need to keep them safe and protected. 

GG: How do you view the role of social media in changing the way people eat?

M: Social media influencers are diverse in thought, in beliefs, creativity. There are many passionate people on social media, we all have the power to tell a story, to share what we see from our point of view. We cover topics mainstream does not cover.  It’s the people that are bringing change, not a few channels.

GG: What does sustainable eating look like to you?

I'm a big advocate to growing your own food, its true freedom and the best way to care for our mother. I see a future, where everyone everyone has a gardens, and people are connected through food, we all plant trees and create Amazon where ever we live.

I'm big on eating fresh food, fresh to me is out of my yard or out of my neighbors. Fresh is cooking my meals right before I eat them, I'm not a fan of boxed and packaged food. 

I believe in giving back to the earth, in the circular system (that is earth's system) even as a community if we learn to give back its healthier for everyone. When we give back we create more abundance. The model is in the soil. When you keep feeding the earth, her soil turns black and her abundance increases. I believe in ethically grown food. All food needs respect, plants and vegetables. 

We are all food, we are all born free, we all need respect and our freedom and to live according to our nature. Currently we rape the soil to grow vegetables, its because we rely too heavily on a few to grown our food. I believe we all need to participate in our food at whatever scale we can right now, with goals for increasing as we can.

GG: Do you think that sustainable eating in this way is accessible to all in today’s system?

M: Its not available to many, but it’s also available to many, in the end we are choosing always. I choose to have a career that would keep me close to my kids, I choose to grow food instead of putting in a lawn. Its our goals that help us choose, in my younger years I was overwhelmed by the worlds problems. I didn't see how I could help. Instead  I focused on what I could change, myself, raise stable kids that would be a gift to society, care for the land under my care. I focused on where I could create health. It was important to me to die in satisfaction no regrets. 

GG: What advice would you give to someone trying to shift to such a diet?

M: It’s our perspective, our understanding and our connection to earth that needs to be understood, all else will fall into place. Our bodies are our temples, it  doesn't work on processed foods, it needs what grows from the ground. We are made of the 5 elements we need those elements in their pure form to thrive.

GG: What is a pantry staple you cannot live without?

M: There are so many! Fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality, organic oils, ghees, Gur (sugarcane juice), tea, grass fed milk, fresh herbs, eggs, heritage grains, Himalayan salt, turmeric, cumin, mustard seed, fenugreek, ajwain, soy sauce, chili sauces, vegan mayo, saffron, ginger, garlic, rice noodles, gluten free grains, frozen coconut milk, Besan.

GG: What is a favorite recipe you are loving lately?

M: There’s a few… Rice noodles with home grown garlic, onion scapes, cashew cream, olive oil, and nutritional yeast. Coconut curry with seasonal veggies and rice noodles. Onion Pakoras. Pumpkin or veggie Soups. Buffalo style cauliflower. Burmese cabbage salad.

GG: And finally... Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers and community? 

M: The bible says God created man and put him in the garden, the garden provided for all of mans needs. Let’s get back to the garden.

Want more of Manju? Follow her @zerowastefarmer, @brushwithbamboo, and @sarvodayainstitute.