Intro to Sustainable Living: Learning How to Cook From Your Pantry

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, The Modern Domestic Woman (MDW) Cares will host “Intro to Sustainable Living: Learning How to Cook From Your Pantry,” at Chipko Market in St. Charles, Illinois, a workshop led by chef and sustainable living guide Katie McCall.

This event takes the overwhelm out of “going green” and replaces it with something far more approachable: small, meaningful shifts rooted in everyday life.

McCall’s approach centers on progress over perfection. Rather than asking you to overhaul your kitchen overnight, she walks you through the first steps of building a pantry that supports both your household and your values. Attendees will learn how to cook with what they already have, reduce food waste, and slowly transition to more sustainable staples, all while honoring the realities of busy families, budgets, and evolving routines.

At the heart of the experience is Chipko Market’s refill model, thoughtfully curated by owner Vandana Singh-Planis. At Chipko Market, sustainability becomes tangible. Customers are invited to bring their own clean jars to fill with pantry essentials, from grains to spices, or select from reusable containers and packaging available in-store. The concept is simple but powerful: take only what you need, waste less, and reconnect with the act of shopping as something intentional.

The workshop will also highlight a range of products available at Chipko, from artisanal coffee and golden honey to biodegradable household cleaners and natural personal care items, demonstrating how sustainability can extend beyond the kitchen into everyday living.

More than anything, this event is about removing the pressure that often comes with sustainable living. It’s about learning, experimenting, and building habits that feel good and last. 

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Place: 902 S Randall Road, Suite E, St. Charles, IL

Cost: $25

Sign up at - https://www.mdwcares.com/events-1/intro-to-sustainable-living-learning-how-to-cook-from-your-pantry