Green Kitchen
I thought that it would be good for me to write an article on how I try to integrate safer environmental practices in my home kitchen. I have always been sensitive to how much waste I produce and ways that I can reduce the amount of negative effects I contribute to our planet. This new scientific report, just published a couple weeks ago, is about how 1 million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction. It is more than a wake up call I believe, but a call for immediate action and global changes.
When we talk about environmentalism, reducing waste and becoming more conscious about the products we buy and consume, it can seem like an overwhelming task. I know that it can seem so large of a problem that we don’t know where to start. Also, some communities due to socio-economic backgrounds don’t have the resources as easily as you and I do to implement as many changes.
I believe that it is important to recognize our privilege and support others whom may not be privileged or aware how to change. Also, environmentalism doesn’t stop at just reducing waste and helping near extinct animals increase their populations. It also includes assisting low income communities to have access to fresh and healthy food in their area, insuring that indigenous communities are safe in their natural environment - that they are not threatened by foreign businesses and so on.
So, in closing, please join me by trying to implement some of the ideas into your home kitchen. And if you are already doing all of the below, what are some ideas you have for me that I can do to continue to help our planet? I am nowhere near perfect, and I will continue to be open to change and help to ensure our planet is healthy for all species for many more generations.
12 Ideas to Implement a Greener Kitchen
Use reusable grocery bags - your probably already doing this. I bring my own grocery bag even when I do other shopping. There are also washable produce bags, they are super convenient. If I do use a plastic produce bag, I reuse it - for instance to keep my flour in it.
I get coffee every morning at my local coffee shop if I don’t have homemade cold brew. I use a reusable cup. I get a discount and also I don’t feel guilty throwing a single serve plastic cup in the trash. My favorite cup is one by Stojo, its collapsable and a soft material (it won’t break if you drop it) and comes in really nice colors. Also they have several sizes. I use mine even when I do overseas travel.
When I go out to eat, however tacky it may be, I bring my own reusable take home container. Luckily, I have a small backpack purse that it fits into, so no one notices. And also, unless you have a liquid, you really don’t need a plastic bag to put your food into.
Don’t use straws. Period. They are not recyclable in many municipalities, and even if they are - many are just thrown into the garbage. Your waiter might look at you crazy, but who cares!
I use compostable trash bags for the kitchen and bathroom (we don’t have any other trash bins in our apartment). They are great, and also pretty durable - you just couldn’t throw a bunch of liquid into your trash.
Don’t buy ziplock bags. Use reusable containers, or use compostable ziplock bags which again are very durable.
Use Silpat baking mats - which are expensive but last a lifetime and are amazing for baked goods. Or use compostable parchment paper.
I don’t use a lot of paper towels because I use old rags (and wash old rags, lol), but the ones I use are 100% from recycled paper and unbleached. They last me a long time and are good to have on hand in the kitchen.
Use rags. Old kitchen towels, old t shirts, reuse them to clean up spills and countertops. Wash in hot water and they will last a long time.
Reusable glass containers instead of plastic wrap.
Bees Wrap is a reusable wrap that is easy to clean. I wrote a review on this blog awhile ago. You can read about it here.
I reuse the same bottle for spray cleaner. Not only does it save on material, doesn’t have harsh chemicals and saves money, but it also is nice to keep on hand and keeps everything sanitary and tidy.
