Send us a text

Dive into the fascinating world of sustainable tequila production as we explore a chapter from my book "Eat Less Water" titled "Tequila and Water."

Did you know that one liter of tequila requires 65 gallons of water to produce? With America's love for margaritas driving massive tequila imports, our collective consumption represents nearly 10 billion gallons of water annually – enough to fill almost 18,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Meet Don Adolfo Murillo, founder of award-winning Tequila Alquimia and pioneer of organic tequila production. Through his story, we uncover the stark contrast between conventional agave farming, with its heavy reliance on chemicals and unsustainable water practices, and Don Adolfo's regenerative approach rooted in his grandfather's wisdom: "If you treat the earth well, it will treat you well." His innovative methods include using Limousine cattle for natural weed control, practicing dry farming techniques that preserve precious groundwater, and transforming vinaza waste into nutrient-rich compost instead of dumping it into rivers.

The environmental impact of our drinking choices extends far beyond what meets the eye. Conventional tequila production often leaves behind degraded soil, depleted aquifers, and polluted waterways, while concentrating chemicals that might contribute to those notorious tequila hangovers. Yet Don Adolfo's international gold medals prove that sustainable practices can create superior products while protecting vital water resources. Whether you're a tequila enthusiast or someone who cares about environmental stewardship, this episode connects the dots between our consumption choices and their ripple effects on soil health, water resources, and the people who depend on them.

Are you curious about making your own sustainable margaritas? Join our Kitchen Activist Collective or follow @eatlesswater on Instagram for Don Adolfo's simple, additive-free recipe!

Visit Alquimia Tequila to have it shipped to you or find a bottle near you.

Start Meal Planning to Save the Planet and Money! Click Here to get started.

Join us inside the Kitchen Activist Collective. Learn more here.

Get a copy of the EAT LESS WATER book.

Reach me at info@eatlesswater.com

Send us a text

What happens when a family transforms their kitchen from chaotic to organized? From having no shopping list or meal plan, to setting aside time each week to plan meals before heading out to the store? For Eva, a member of the Kitchen Activist Collective, it sparked a revolution that saved her marriage from food-related arguments, put $6,000 back in her pocket annually, and gave her a powerful way to combat climate anxiety.

Eva began with a simple yet profound step: organizing her kitchen, one of the four pillars of Kitchen Activism. She turned a frustrating space into a welcoming one by decluttering cabinets, creating designated spaces for everything, and establishing systems everyone could follow. The impact was immediate—no more hunting for utensils, duplicate grocery purchases, and significantly less food waste.

Once the organization was in place, meal planning, another step of Kitchen Activism, followed naturally. Eva and her husband developed a Sunday routine: checking what they already have, planning meals for the week ahead, and shopping with purpose at both the farmer's market and grocery stores. Their guiding principle? "Don't buy it if you don't have a plan for it." This intentionality eliminated the waste from buying produce without a strategy and reduced their takeout frequency by at least a third.

The financial benefits were substantial—$50 weekly grocery savings plus reduced restaurant spending added up to roughly $6,000 annually. But the non-monetary gains were equally valuable. Eva discovered she didn't hate cooking; she just hated deciding what to make when her energy was lowest. Her husband uncovered a passion for cooking that transformed their division of kitchen labor. Most importantly, their household tensions around food shopping disappeared.

The most powerful aspect of this kitchen transformation is how it is connected to larger environmental action. By reducing food waste, supporting local farmers, and decreasing packaging from takeout, Eva found a tangible way to combat climate anxiety. As she beautifully puts it, when you're "on the deck trying to save the boat, you're going to feel better than if you're inside in a corner."

Ready to transform your kitchen into a force for personal and planetary good? The Kitchen Activist Collective is open for new members. Join us to discover how your everyday food choices can become powerful acts of change.

Start Meal Planning to Save the Planet and Money! Click Here to get started.

Join us inside the Kitchen Activist Collective. Learn more here.

Get a copy of the EAT LESS WATER book.

Reach me at info@eatlesswater.com

Send us a text

Joaquin Rodriguez, son of Kitchen Activist host Florencia Ramirez, reveals how he cooks nutritious, budget-friendly meals in his NYC college dorm with minimal equipment. His creative approach proves that kitchen activism can thrive anywhere, regardless of kitchen size or equipment limitations.

• Creating nutritious meals with just a mini-fridge, toaster oven, rice cooker, and electric kettle
• Batch cooking beans and rice as affordable, versatile meal foundations
• Using a rice cooker for multiple purposes beyond rice—pasta, reheating, and hard-boiled eggs
• Planning and executing weekly "Friday Feasts" for friends featuring dishes like pozole and jambalaya
• Prioritizing organic ingredients while keeping costs to approximately $50 per week
• Adapting cooking skills learned at home to small-space limitations
• Finding inspiration from recipes online and not being afraid to experiment
• Meal planning based on sales at local grocery stores
• Understanding how food choices impact environmental and personal health
• Sharing costs and food with friends builds community

"Don't limit yourself... with anything, it's trial and error... it just comes down to not limiting yourself and finding inspiration and not being scared to fail, because if you fail, you just try again."

Start Meal Planning to Save the Planet and Money! Click Here to get started.

Join us inside the Kitchen Activist Collective. Learn more here.

Get a copy of the EAT LESS WATER book.

Reach me at info@eatlesswater.com