They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. Unfortunately, the kitchen can also be the heart of waste in the home! Think of all the food, paper products, packaging and other items that are thrown away daily. Think of the chemical use and potential water waste. If you don’t pay attention to the sustainability of your kitchen, you can end up making quite a negative environmental impact. Here are a few simple changes you can make in your own kitchen to make it more eco-friendly.
Use cloth towels. Did you know that one-third of all landfill waste is paper products? It really makes you stop and consider how many paper towels you toss out every day. Using cloth napkins and towels can be a greener alternative than clogging up the landfill with single-use waste. If you do choose paper towels, choose those that are 100% recycled and contain a large amount of post-consumer waste.
Buy in bulk. Buying small quantities of packaged food can lead to a ton of waste straight into your trash can. Try taking reusable bags and containers to your local bulk store and use them to buy the ingredients you need. Not only is it more eco-friendly, but you’ll end up with a beautiful, plastic-free kitchen.
Ditch single-use plastic. Disposable plastic is among the worst products for the environment because it takes so long to degrade. Opt for reusable bags instead of plastic ones, try beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap, and try bamboo scrubbers instead of the usual plastic kitchen scrubbers. Use reusable plates instead of plastic ones. There are great, natural alternatives for every piece of plastic in your kitchen.
Simplify your cleaners. Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and, frankly, bad for your health. Stick to using diluted vinegar and baking soda as cleaners or search for tons of recipes for homemade household cleaners online if you prefer ones that are sweet-smelling or fancy.
Use high-quality, long-lasting products. It may seem economical to buy the cheapest kitchen gear you can find, but that gear will likely break after a short time and end up in the landfill. Invest in high-quality kitchen gear like cast iron pans and wooden cutting boards. They can last generations when properly taken care of! Products that are made of natural materials like wood will biodegrade if they’re ever tossed out.