Sustainability Scoring Matrix

As parents, we want to pass on to our children a collection of delicious, healthy, good-for-the-planet recipes that also save time and money.

So we created a sustainability scoring matrix to take an honest look at each meal we make.

This is our matrix for determining how sustainable each meal is:

Time to make

1 = 3+ hours
2 = 1-2 hours
3 = <1 hour

Servings

1 = <4 servings
2 = 4-6 servings
3 = lots of leftovers

Cost per person

1 = >$20
2 = $5-20
3 = <$5

Deliciousness

1 = inedible
2 = decent meal
3 = when are we having this again?

Environmental impact

1 = wowzers (endangered/imported)
2 = moderate impact
3 = minimal damage

Nutritional value

1 = eat rarely (high sugar/fat)
2 = healthy-ish
3 = optimal nutrition

Each factor is scored 1, 2, or 3 according to how long it takes, how much it costs, etc. Then the scores are all added up to get the overall sustainability score, which has a maximum of 18.

Anything that scores over 15 goes into our family favorites cookbook.

Sustainability Scoring Matrix

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