10 Easy Ways to Create a more Sustainable Kitchen
One of the most used parts of the house and the place which produces the most waste is the kitchen. When starting on a sustainable household it is ideal to kick start things in the kitchen. Being the heart and hub of our homes, the kitchen is a very good place to start. This blog post gives you ideas and inspiration for easy product swaps that you can do to have a more sustainable kitchen without major changes in the way you do things and without burning a hole in your pockets.
1. Bring Your Own Reusable Bags to the Grocery
Such an easy thing to do but one most often forgotten. One of the things easily accumulated in the kitchen is plastic bags, this can easily be avoided by bringing your own reusable eco bag every time you go grocery shopping. Unexpected grocery run so you forgot to bring your bag? Easy store in your handbag or leave one in your car.
2. Bulk Up
Buying in bulk is a great way to cut down on waste as it means less packaging, fewer trips to the grocery and save some pennies in the process. GoodFor Wholefoods Refillery comes to mind when it comes to sustainable shopping bulk. They offer package-free pantry essentials delivered nationwide or, click and collect in store. Buying in bulk is not just for long-life food items like pasta, beans, lentils, flour and nuts but also other kitchen items such as airtight containers to store those food items in, reusable eco cloths, pet food and several others.
3. Start Composting
Start a compost with a closable container to process food waste. It'll be great for your garden and if you don't have one check around your community, someone might have a compost bin for their garden.
4. Ditch plastic containers and switch to glass, wood of metal containers
Every non-single plastic container is still an unnecessary waste that the earth simply cannot take. Ditching these plastic containers and switching to glass, wood or stainless steel is a step in the right direction. Glass containers in particular last longer and do not contain any of the chemicals found in many plastic containers. A mason jar is a good starting point as they are inexpensive and comes in a variety of sizes.
5. Swap your sponges
Sponges have to be replaced constantly as they harbour bacteria thereby causing massive waste. Sponges also contain microplastics that cause harm to the marine environment. The best solution to this problem is ditch the sponge and switch to a reusable eco cloth. Good Change in particular has been advocating for choosing a kinder way to clean your home with these amazing eco-friendly cleaning cloths and wipes that care for the planet. These eco cloths can be washed and reused over and over lasting up 9 months and can be thrown into garden where they will completely decompose. This is definitely a step right in the right direction for a more sustainable kitchen.
6. Ditch the tea bags and switch to loose leaf tea
Sadly most tea bags contain plastic which in turn contains chemicals harmful to the body. Invest in a strainer and loose leaf tea for a more sustainable tea habit.
7. Try natural cleaning products
Switching to cleaning products made from natural ingredients reduces the amount of harsh chemicals in your kitchen making it a healthier option. It also keeps residue chemicals off our waterways making it friendlier to the planet. A DIY cleaning solution of white vinegar salt baking soda and lemon will give you an eco-friendly cleaning solution.
8. Make sustainable choices
The choices you make play a major part in achieving an eco-friendly kitchen. Start with always keeping reusable grocery bags in your car, using reusable stainless steel straw or simply going without if you forgot to bring your reusable ones. Keeping food in airtight containers to minimise food waste. Choosing products made from renewable resources as well as choosing energy-efficient options when buying new appliances.
9. Switch from Bulbs to LEDs
LED bulbs use about 20 percent of the energy of a standard incandescent bulb and they last about 25 percent longer so saving you money on cost and your monthly electrical bill.
10. Use beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap
Beeswax wrap can be used for wrapping lunches, putting over bowls or containers as covers and storing food. It is made from natural ingredients, it is reusable and compostable making it a sustainable alternative to plastic wraps.
