As a self-proclaimed eco-warrior and sustainability enthusiast, I’ve been on a mission to reduce my environmental impact in every aspect of my life. And let me tell you, the kitchen has been one of the biggest battlegrounds in my war against waste.
You see, the kitchen is like a plastic-wrapped fortress of convenience – from the endless sea of single-use plastics to the mountains of disposable paper products, it can feel like an uphill battle trying to maintain a zero-waste lifestyle. But fear not, my fellow cleanliholics, I’m here to share my top zero-waste cleaning tips that will have your kitchen sparkling with sustainable practices in no time.
Refuse the Convenience Trap
The first and most powerful step in going zero-waste in the kitchen is to take a long, hard look at your cupboards and grocery cart, and eliminate any items that are unnecessarily overpackaged or designed for single-use. Bottled water and coffee pods are probably the most blatant offenders, but trust me, the list goes on.
Instead, search for alternatives like a good, durable reusable water bottle and a coffee press or a Chemex with a reusable coffee sock filter. I know it might seem like a hassle at first, but trust me, it takes less time than a drip coffee maker and is so much better for the planet.
Ditch the Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap is quite possibly the most satisfying product to quit using. It’s horribly wasteful, a pain to use, and yet it somehow still finds a place in almost every kitchen. But no more, my friends! Consider using beeswax wrap instead – it’s literally natural cloth embedded with beeswax. You just warm it with your hands, and it’ll stick to itself, sealing whatever you’re preserving. The wrap breathes, so it helps prevent overripening and excess moisture, keeping things fresher for longer. And the best part? It’s totally reusable for about a year, and then 100% biodegradable after that.
Say Goodbye to Parchment Paper
Another popular disposable item in the kitchen is parchment paper. Admittedly, it’s very versatile and easy to use, and we’re often tempted to use it, especially when roasting or baking in the oven. But here’s the thing – it’s not just paper. It’s actually treated with an acid during production to give it high stability and heat resistance, and then coated with a non-stick material, typically silicone. That means it’s not recyclable, not compostable, and just ends up in the landfill.
The best alternative is silicone baking/roasting mats like Silpat or Sil Eco. They can be used indefinitely and work just as well as parchment paper, without the waste. We’ve truly grown to love these little eco-friendly workhorses in our kitchen.
Upgrade Your Kitchen Tools
From dishcloths to spatulas to brushes, there’s a lot of kitchen tools in action in the old homestead. While wooden spoons are a classic must-have, consider replacing other items with products that biodegrade as well, especially those that are in high rotation.
Replace dishcloths with reusable plant-cellulose versions that you can compost, and swap out dish brushes and other kitchen brushes with wooden versions like the ones made by the German family-owned brand Redecker. Their brushes are fully biodegradable, and the metal parts are even removable for recycling.
Embrace the Glass Jar Revolution
Glass jars are your new best friend in the zero-waste kitchen. Mason jars are inexpensive, abundantly available, and so very versatile. You can use them to purchase and store bulk items, keep your leftovers fresh, or even trick them out for use on the go as drinking cups or smoothie containers. There are entire cookbooks out there on how to layer your meals in them so they don’t go soggy for lunch. Talk about a multi-functional hero!
Make Your Own Cleaners
Making your own cleaners is another area where you can easily clean up your act, pardon the pun. You can make your own effective, non-toxic cleaners with simple ingredients like vinegar, water, and some lemon or thyme essential oil. It’s easy, cost-effective, and way better for the environment than those chemically-laden, plastic-bottled cleaners.
And for the products you won’t be making anytime soon, like dish soap, see if there’s an option near you to purchase from a source that offers refills. That way, you can reduce the waste associated with those necessary items.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but without knowing exactly what and how your local district recycles, it’s really easy to make mistakes that reduce the chance of your blue bin contents actually being recycled. So, do a little research, find out precisely what can and cannot be recycled, and buy accordingly. And be sure to process your recycling properly, as food contamination can often cause it to be diverted to the landfill.
Compost, Compost, Compost
Between recycling and composting, you’ll be able to produce almost zero landfill waste in your kitchen. Organic waste makes up a whopping 26% of landfill waste in the US, and the anaerobic environment in landfills means that even organic waste doesn’t break down very well, contributing to dangerous greenhouse gases.
If you don’t have municipal organic waste pickup, don’t despair. Managing a compost heap is relatively easy, and you can even get fancy with it, like practicing vermiculture indoors. Or see if you can find a compost depot that accepts it, often at the local farmers market. Just be sure to store your biodegradable compost bag in the freezer to prevent any messy oozing and make transporting it a breeze.
Prioritize Sustainability in Travel
As someone who loves to explore the world, I know firsthand the impact that air travel can have on the environment. But just because I can’t give up the thrill of discovering new places doesn’t mean I have to compromise my zero-waste values.
When I travel, I make sure to pack a zero-waste travel kit with all the essentials – a reusable water bottle, my own headphones, a cozy sweater, and a trusty neck pillow. I also try to pack my own snacks and meals in reusable containers to avoid the endless plastic wrap and disposable utensils that come with airline offerings.
And when it comes to getting around my destination, I prioritize eco-friendly transportation like walking, biking, or public transit whenever possible. Not only is it better for the planet, but it also allows me to experience the local culture in a more authentic way.
Support Local Communities
As a responsible traveler, I also believe it’s important to consider the impact of my travels on the local communities I visit. One way to ensure my trips have a positive impact is to support local businesses and organizations.
Whether it’s buying locally produced goods and services, volunteering with community groups, or eating at local restaurants and opting for plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan meals, I try to immerse myself in the unique culture and economy of the places I visit. It’s a win-win – I get to learn more about the local community, and they get to benefit from the economic boost of my sustainable tourism.
Ongoing Commitment to Improvement
Of course, the journey towards a zero-waste lifestyle is not without its challenges. There will be times when I slip up, and that’s okay. I try not to beat myself up about it, but instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Because at the end of the day, what matters most is that I’m constantly striving to reduce my environmental impact, one small step at a time. And by sharing my experiences and tips, I hope to inspire others to do the same. After all, every little bit helps when it comes to protecting our precious planet.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your reusable tote bags, your trusty glass jars, and your DIY cleaning supplies, and let’s get to work creating a greener, cleaner kitchen that’s good for both you and the environment. The planet will thank you, and I’ll be right there cheering you on every step of the way.
