It is Possible to Have a Plastic-Free Kitchen. Here's how...
It’s no secret that the chemicals in plastic are harmful to the environment and your family’s health. If your quest is to live a more sustainable lifestyle or even join the efforts of the Plastic Free July Foundation to jumpstart your efforts, the kitchen is the best place to start.
Learn how you can swap out plastics with these seven eco-friendly options:
1. Ditch the Condiment Bottles
While it is often convenient to have salad dressing, ketchup, and mustard on hand, you can decrease your carbon footprint and forego the plastic bottles. Instead, challenge yourself to make your own condiments and yummy salad dressings that you can store in glass bowls or jars.
2. Create Food Covers
Plastic wrap is not only a pain to handle, but it also creates a dangerous environmental impact. Get crafty when swapping out your plastic wrap by creating fabric food covers that allow your food to breathe when stored in the refrigerator. There are many great options made from organic cotton and bee's wax.
3. Opt for Stainless Steel or Aluminum Containers
Transform the look of your kitchen and choose an eco-friendly option for storage when using stainless steel containers for pasta, chips, cereal, spices, and even your cleaners! These containers look great when stored in your pantry or on your countertops, and they help reduce the use of plastic for food storage.
4. Choose Bamboo
Don’t underestimate the durability of bamboo cutting boards for your food preparations. While many perceive plastic boards as a steady structure for cutting fruits, vegetables and meats, bamboo is even better, and it can also double as an attractive serving board when entertaining guests. You can also find pot scrapers, spatulas and serving spoons made with bamboo.
5. Use Mason Jars
Mason jars are often used as decorative items when choosing to adopt a farmhouse style, but you can also utilize mason jars in the kitchen. Each jar works well as a drinking glass or storage space for liquids such as leftover sauces, dressings, and jams. You can use these amazing eco-bags to carry them at the store!
6. Purchase Loose Vegetables and Fruits
Minimize the amount of plastic you have on hand by purchasing vegetables and fruits from a farmer’s market, complete with your own basket to store the items after purchase. Not only are you eliminating the need for plastic bags, but you’ve also avoided adding plastic-wrapped frozen veggies to your freezer. You’ll also enjoy the added freshness and flavorful taste stemming from loose veggies and fruits.
7. Cover with Care
When storing food, it’s likely you have a few glass bowls that do not have accompanying lids. Instead of investing in plastic lids, choose silicone. Silicone lids may feel like plastic, but they are free from toxic chemicals commonly found in plastic.
Not sure how plastic affects your home? Find out why plastic pollution is a big problem.
Your kitchen isn't the only place you need to reduce plastic. Learn about 12 Swaps You Can Make for a Plastic-Free Home.