Kitchen is probably where most of us spend most of our time, from preparation of food and eating of our meals. It’s no surprise that most waste from the household could be from the kitchen. Living a sustainable life is actually quite simple and cost friendly. I want to give you some few tips on how to make your kitchen sustainable or rather waste free. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and join me!
- Reusable towels or unpaper paper towels.
Paper towels are very common in most kitchens and they serve a great purpose, from cleaning kitchen counter tops to wiping our hands. However, they are not sustainable as after every wipe, they are thrown in the bin. A great alternative is reusable cotton towels that can be washed after every use and doesn’t end up in the landfill. This may sound very new to some but also cotton crocheted towels can serve the same purpose.
- Grocery bag
Investing in a good reusable grocery bag is very good step in reducing ones waste. Emphasis on good material, as some materials in as much as they are better alternative to plastic bags, they are not long lasting hence will need replacement very frequently. A good example is non-woven bags that have gained popularity since banning of plastic bags here in Kenya. They wear out easily and can’t hold much weight. A better alternative is cotton or woven bags.
- Glass jars
This is a tricky one, as the trend now is completely switching every plastic container in the kitchen with a glass jar, but this is NOT ECO-FRIENDLY as you’ll have to dispose the plastic ones you owned. The best way is to use what you have and reuse any glass jar around the house to minimize waste. Using your existing plastic container doesn’t make you an eco- villain but rather it’s the best option to use what you have, we are aiming for reducing waste.
- Beeswax wraps
This wraps are a great alternative to the common cling film that are plastic. They are reusable, washable and when they get old they can be composted. The best part is that they are 100% natural and handmade, mostly made out of beeswax and cotton fabric. They are also mouldable and are very easy to use.
- Crochet dish cloth
Do you know that crochet dish clothes are a great alternative to sponges that is being used to scrub the dishes? First of all, they are made out of cotton and they are handmade too. You can make one for yourself as it is not difficult, look for simple beginner patterns online or purchase already made ones from local crocheters if you want to avoid the hustle.
- Reusable scrub
Your conventional sponges are not eco-friendly at all, switching to eco-friendly dish scourers or brush is the best option. First and foremost, your normal yellow and green sponge is not compostable. Hence, they end up in landfills they also contribute to microplastics that enter our water bodies when washing with them as they are made out of plastic. The reusable scrubs have bristles made out of plant fibers. Some can be reused when they are worn out; you take the top part off the handle and just replace it.
- Loofahs
May sound new to others, but in some African households, loofahs have long been used to wash dishes. Loofahs do grow naturally and they are compostable too. This means, no microplastics or waste in landfills.
- Bar soap
According to a study conducted, one tends to use more liquid soap when washing hands or anything as compared to bar soaps. Liquid soap also requires more energy to produce as compared to soap bars because of the chemicals they require. Furthermore, the packaging used to pack liquid soap also requires more energy and raw materials.
Another great way to make your kitchen more sustainable is to reduce, reuse or repurpose any waste. Before you throw something think of clever ways to make good use of it.
What are ways in which you keep your kitchen eco-friendly or sustainable ?