Zero waste kitchen: a beginners guide

The experts all agree: we must absolutely reduce our CO2 emissions by 2030 if we want to be able to control more the climate change.

All this is indeed alarming, but what can we do in the concrete of our daily routine? Opt as much as possible for zero waste habits. This turn may seem difficult but it is in fact, very easy! We will guide you throughout the year with simple tips to apply and introduce into your daily life to make sure you can really start your zero waste journey.

Let's start with the kitchen. What are the elements of an eco-friendly kitchen? Which elements who are quickly perishable, can be replaced by others? Here are some basics to know!

Say no to plastic bags at the grocery store

Instead, pack all your purchases in reusable bags. Remember to have net bags with you so that you are always ready to buy fruits and vegetables without using single-use bags.

Plastic bags are also problematic to recycle. In the United States, the recyclable symbol is on many plastic bags, but it is often a marketing trick. There is no regulation on how this symbol is used, and every city and county in America has different regulations on what can be recycled. Many plastic bags collected by recycling companies cannot really be recycled. Most of these bags end up in landfills and stay there for hundreds of years. (1)

Use eco-friendly bamboo straws from The Future is Bamboo

Our reusable straws do no harm to the environment and are compostable at the end of their life. Each package contains a small brush to clean the interior properly. The packaging is recyclable and the ink is from vegetable sources.

Avoid plastic film for food

What you can use: films made from beeswax and tree resin are often very popular. These last long, are washable and also compostable. You can also opt for sealable stainless steel containers for easy stacking.

Compost

Gathering your waste in a compost container is as simple as throwing it in the trash. If you do not keep your own composter or do not live in a place that offers a compost pickup, some farmers offer to take the compost and they use it for their own purpose. Look from this side and perhaps you can compost despite a less suitable location.

DIY recipes

Nothing more eco-friendly than soap recipes or homemade cleaning products! The basic ingredients for concocting different recipes are rather simple to find and inexpensive:

• Distilled water
• Some essential oils
• Containers with sprays
• White vinegar
• Baking soda

Simple recipe for multi-surfaces cleanser

• Fill half of a distilled water container
• The other half with vinegar
• Add approximately 10-15 drops of essential oils of your choice
• Spray on the surfaces

Sources
1 - https://www.reusethisbag.com/articles/plastic-shopping-bags-environmental-impact/