2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit
June 11-13, 2024 | Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Convention Center
Sian Cuffy Young
Founder & CEO
Siel Environmental Services Limited
Bio:
Mrs. Sian (Shan) Cuffy Young, an award-winning waste management educator, consultant, and social entrepreneur, is on a mission to spread the waste management gospel. With her coined phrase "WASTE IS SEXY," she captivates audiences with actionable and unforgettable tips that she believes must be shared with the world. Sian brings dynamic energy, engaging passion, and extensive knowledge to her work, which spans nearly two decades in the environmental sector, particularly waste management and mining.
Despite these male-dominated fields, she fearlessly founded and leads Siel (Sigh-el) Environmental based in Trinidad and Tobago, a highly successful social enterprise that specializes in waste management education and consultancy with a focus on food waste and revolutionizing waste perception and practices for individuals and businesses while inspiring others to join the movement.
Sian's achievements include holding a MSc in Environmental Engineering, being a Fulbright Fellow from Cornell University, a published children's book author, and the title holder for the Entrepreneurship World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago, among numerous other accolades. Beyond her professional endeavors, she cherishes her roles as a loving wife and a dedicated mother to three incredible children.
Schedule
Thursday, June 13
10:30am - 11:30am
A Fusion of Flavors: The Cultural Footprint of What We Eat and Don’t Eat
Breakout Session 3
Ever wondered how cultural traditions influence our perception of what we deem “edible” and our utilization of food resources? "We are what we eat" is an age-old saying that highlights the profound impact our culinary decisions have on our lives — what, why, how, where, and when we eat all varies across cultures, serving as expressions of identity, social bonds, beliefs, heritage, and more. Come on a journey as we explore how diverse cuisines worldwide ingeniously optimize food scraps, leftovers, and less desirable ingredients. You’ll discover the wisdom behind naturally low-waste diets and eating habits and glean insights for minimizing food waste. Let's explore the rich tapestry of culinary heritage for valuable lessons that can help us build a more sustainable future where no food goes to waste.