It is hard to believe, but in the past 50 years, global plastic production has increased 20-fold. In 2012 alone, more than 311 million tons of new plastics were produced and consumed worldwide. This number doesn’t take into account the millions of pounds that have been discarded as litter or become part of our oceans’ ecosystem – where they break down into smaller pieces which then enter the food chain (and end up on our plates).
In this blog post, we will discuss how to get a plastic-free kitchen, reduce the use of plastics in your everyday life, and what you can do to make a change for future generations.
Table of Contents
1. Replace plastic bags with sustainable bags
Plastic bags can be a low-cost alternative to reusable shopping bags. But they are not environmentally friendly and contribute to the problem of plastic waste in our oceans.
To recycle these plastic bags! Ouch, not that many people know what to do with old plastic bags. Well, this is a sign! The solution to getting rid of those frustratingly permanent plastics is the reusable bag. It might seem bothersome at first, but after you have tried it once or twice, you will never want to go back.
There are many types of reusable bags like fabric bags, bamboo bags, and silicone bags. Silicone bags last much longer than fabric or bamboo bags.
Silicone bags are also better for you because they don’t have the same risk of carrying bacteria as other reusable bags, which can be a significant issue with produce.
Bamboo bags are a great product to use for groceries, produce, and more. If you don’t want to use a reusable grocery bag, then there are many options for fabric bags or silicone products.
Fabric bags might seem like the best option because they can be folded up small when not in use, but they do have their downside. Bacteria could grow on these if left wet.
There are many ways to reduce plastics in your kitchen, but if we all enjoy using our bags and stop buying disposable ones when possible, we will do a great deal for the environment.
2. Switch to glass storage containers
Constant use of plastic containers in kitchens is a significant contributor to the global issue of plastic pollution. You can easily replace plastic containers with glass containers that can be reused and last for much longer.
If you’re considering storing food leftovers in glass, then there’s no need to be scared. The use of glass is safe and easy to clean off after microwaving or cooking on a hot plate. Furthermore, it will allow you to see what’s inside, so trust yourself when deciding whether it should stay there for another night or not.
One significant advantage to making the switch to glass food storage containers is that they are easy to find these days. You can use the snap-top kind or use large mason jars, both of which are readily available to buy.
3. Use bamboo straws
If you want to drink tap water but don’t like plastic bottles. There are many alternatives available such as reusable metal or glass containers and even stainless steel drinking cups with a lid that can be washed in between uses. But there’s also another option: use paper straws!
4. Reduce the use of plastic wrap
Using these materials to cover food will create a lot of waste, so it’s best not to rely on them as much as possible. Try using cloth instead if you don’t have anything else handy. It can also do the job well.
Plastic wrap can be replaced easily by Beeswax wrap, made from natural ingredients and biodegradable. If you have Beeswax wraps on hand, they can be used to cover food or containers before cooking them in the microwave oven as well!
Another option is using these clothes that are made of cotton. They’re an excellent alternative for plastic wrap because they don’t harm the environment as plastics and reusable.
If you want to get a plastic-free kitchen, then these are some ways that will help reduce your plastic usage in the kitchen!
5. Napkins and Paper Towels
Take a closer look at what you’re doing with paper towels and napkins. Most people use these disposable products for one thing: wiping their hands or mopping up food messes on the floor or countertops. But when they end up in a landfill, many include plastic packaging. Consider switching to cloth and cleaning spills right away in the kitchen. There are many brands now that are offering reusable napkins and towels like The Wild Minimalist.
6. Avoid Plastic Utensils
The best way to reduce the amount of plastics you use is by avoiding plastic utensils. Many reusable utensils can help replace these products, like wooden and metal spoons or forks (such as those from The Wild Minimalist).
Bamboo utensils can be a good option too. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plant resources in the world, so it’s a renewable resource.
7. Plastic-free kitchen cleaning
Spare a thought – you and the planet! Though regular cleaners may seem like an appealing option, they contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and the world around you. Consider how great it would feel knowing your carbon footprint is shrinking while being left with a clean kitchen. That’s why I recommend using a more natural cleaning option like the ones by Method or Seventh Generation for all types of surfaces in your kitchen.
Besides, regular cleaners are packaged in plastic containers. That’s why I recommend buying them in bulk (if you insist on using them) and transferring the cleaner into a reusable container. Or you can switch to a more environmentally friendly and healthier option like dish soap bars to remove grime off your counters.
8. It is essential to set the table with reusable or compostable materials.
Setting the table can be labor-intensive. But there are many ways to reduce your use of single-use materials and set an eco-friendly table for guests with various materials that will last throughout their lifetimes, such as reclaimed wood and kitchen utensils made from bamboo.
Replacement of plastic plates also is a must if you are serious about reducing the use of plastic. Paper plates can be a good option in this case. However, sometimes Paper plates aren’t recyclable, so you need a more sustainable plate than the standard paper option. We recommend using compostable plates made from bamboo that can be broken down and returned to the earth after your party.
Dining with friends or family is an excellent opportunity to show them how much plastic they are using and make them more aware of its environmental effects on the planet.
9. Shop with less plastic
We should always be mindful of our shopping habits, so even when you need to buy something new, it will last longer and reduce waste.
It is also essential to not only focus on what we put into the earth but also how much energy was used for production by researching where a product came from.
As we mentioned earlier, reducing plastic while shopping is not only by avoiding plastic bags but also by buying food not packaged in plastic containers. Corporate brands and sustainable options can work well together. By encouraging corporate companies to switch their resources, you could be creating a better world for future generations of people!
10. Replace kitchen sponges
You may have been using these yellow and green sponges your whole life, but it’s essential to understand how those sponges are made. And the more you use them, the more plastic they contain. There are many ways to reduce these sponges in the kitchen besides searching for new sustainable alternatives, like using recycled foam, cellulose sponge, or a bamboo scrubber.
