By Maya Howard, Contributing Blogger (@MayasHealthyDay)
With the future of the planet being an everyday news headline, many people are looking for ways to lessen their personal waste and impact on the environment. The good news is that, with the innovation of sustainable products designed for everyday ease, there are SO many small ways that we can make big change! This Earth Day, let’s take our conservation efforts into the kitchen and explore simple ways that we can reduce our personal waste. Making sure that these 5 essential eco-friendly products are stocked in your kitchen is the perfect start to green living!
1. Reusable Produce Bags
Whether we’re driven by avoiding a plastic bag fee, or reducing how many of them pile up under our kitchen sinks, many of us are already making the conscious effort to carry reusable shopping bags with us to the grocery store. Let’s take our reduction of plastic waste to the next level by replacing those little plastic produce with reusable ones! They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and can be tossed into the washing machine with your other laundry items for easy cleaning. Keep a set of different sized produce bags with your reusable shopping bags in the trunk of your car so they won’t be forgotten on grocery day!
2. Glass Storage Containers
Long gone are the days of toxic plastic tupperware, easily stained by food or melted in the dishwasher. Although purchasing a set of glass stage containers might set you back a few more dollars, the reduction of toxicity to your body and the environment is well worth the investment. Glass storage containers are multipurpose and can be used for everything from daily meal prep to chic pantry storage. Best of all, glass containers are so easy to upcycle; instead of tossing that empty pasta sauce jar in the recycling bin, give it a good wash and add it to your glass storage rotation!
3. Insulated Water Bottles
This product can be used in or out of the kitchen which makes it so necessary! Investing in a quality (plastic-free) bottle that is insulated is an amazing way to reduce your everyday waste, especially if you are someone who stops by a coffee shop or juice bar on the regular. It may be a good idea to purchase 3 different options: one for water, one for coffee, and one with a straw-insertable lid for smoothies and juices. Coffee shops are very accommodating with zero-waste containers. Just be sure to tell the barista upfront that you’ve brought your own bottle or mug. They might even upgrade your size for being a thoughtful human!
4. Cloth Towels
Cloth dish towels can be used in over a dozen ways in the kitchen, and are specifically a triple threat when it comes to reducing your kitchen waste. They can be used in lieu of single-use paper towels, dishwashing sponges, and plastic snack bags. Your life might be changed forever after learning how easy it is to wrap a sandwich in a dish towel!
5. Bamboo Cutting Board
A bamboo cutting board is a must have for any green kitchen. Plastic and cheap wooden cutting boards are not only breeding grounds for bacteria, but are often made from cheap materials that can be toxic to the body and environment. Bamboo is a great renewable resource that is easily grown in organic conditions, is durable, and affordable. A bamboo cutting board adds an element of natural style to any kitchen and can serve as a beautiful base for a healthy charcuterie board!
So there you have it. By making sure these 5 products are a part of your green kitchen, you are significantly reducing your personal waste and increasing the health of yourself as well as the world around you. Be sure to share this article with your friends and family also so they can join in on the Earth Day fun and learn how small changes can make a big impact!
