5 Ways To A More Sustainable Kitchen
Over the past few decades, the human population has become more conscientious about our impact on the environment and planet. Businesses and consumers have developed eco-friendly and sustainable practices for products and we’ve learned the value of reducing, reusing, and recycling. With heightened safety measures in place due to the current pandemic, understandably, single use plastic consumption has been on the rise. However, we can still be mindful of our impact on the environment by being eco-conscious at home. Whether you’ve already been practicing an eco-conscious lifestyle or you’re looking to start, we’re sharing a few ideas to support your efforts. Enjoy making your own products? We’ll even include a few DIY tutorials that will help you go green AND save some green.
Use Reusable storage/snack bags
Instead of individual plastic storage bags that get tossed in the trash and take hundreds of years to break down, consider alternatives that are easy to reuse and feel good about using. There are plenty of options for alternatives that you can purchase like these silicone bags found on Amazon or waterproof lined fabric bags.
Feeling crafty? Below is a great tutorial on how to make your own! Already have a box of plastic storage baggies? Rather than tossing those bags after single use, consider washing and reusing a few times until you have a collection of reusable bags.
Use Beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap, and they’re prettier! Beeswax has natural antibacterial components and is easy to clean. It’s likely a vendor or two sells beeswax wraps during the Missoula People’s market or other local markets but if you can’t find them locally, here are some great beeswax wraps for purchase online. Want to try making your own? Here’s a great tutorial that 406 Families Co-Founder Charity Stubb uses to create her beeswax wraps.
Buy in bulk & use glass jars or containers for food storage
Many of our local grocery stores, like the Good Food Store, sell food and household items in bulk. Buying in bulk not only reduces the amount of single use plastic in your home but it also allows you to purchase only what you plan on consuming, both of which minimize waste. Storing bulk items in glass jars or containers is also a great way to keep items fresh for longer and minimize use of plastics.
Ditch the paper products
Rather than using paper towels & paper napkins, consider cloth. Buy a bulk set of cleaning rags or use old towels to clean your kitchen and home. Purchase a set or two of cloth napkins to use during meals or make your own!
Consider Composting
Composting not only minimizes the amount of waste you send to the landfill, it’s also a great way to give your garden or landscaping a boost of nutrients without having to spend money. If you’re new to composting or need a refresher, below is a great article about what to compost and what not to. Don’t have a garden or a space to store compost? No problem! Missoula Compost Collection LLC will come pick up your compost when you subscribe with their services.
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