You know that you need to be more eco-friendly, just seeing THAT video of the turtle with the straw in its nose left a lasting impact on so many people, and for good reason. Being more eco-friendly isn’t something that just affects you, it’s something that affects the entire planet. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the simplest ways you can make your kitchen more eco-friendly, whether you work in a professional kitchen, you run a catering outlet, or if you’re just a happy home cook who is focused on being more planet-friendly in your everyday life.
Your Food Doesn’t Have To Be In Plastic Bags
You might think that plastic bags are a necessary evil in your life, but they’re not. Those disposable bags end up getting thrown away at a rate of about 150 billion per year… and that’s a significant number!
There are a few companies out there that make reusable grocery bags for a lot less than you might expect. You can find them in most stores and online.
Reduce Your Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are, sadly, all around us. We use single-use plastic for so many things, from food to clothes, and you probably use them more than you realize.
Do your research on using less single-use plastics and make a promise to take the first steps such as reducing plastic straw usage or giving up the cling wrap.
Buy Food In Bulk
When buying food in bulk, you’re helping save a lot of money on your grocery bill. When a lot of us buy things in bulk – especially food – we tend to think that we have to sacrifice some convenience or variety.
That, however, is not true. You can buy the same things in bulk and still have variety. Plus, you’re saving money, so it’s a win-win all round.
Use Fewer Paper Products
In most people’s daily lives, they use a lot of paper products – from paper towels to toilet paper. In fact, most people use more than they think they do.
Cut back on the number of paper products you use by simply going to a store that sells products with no packaging – and making it a habit to shop at those stores.
Use Glasses And Dishes
Try to always use washable glasses and dishes – there’s rarely a need to use disposable ones, even if they are eco-friendly. You can get a lightweight set to carry with you, along with some cutlery if you are not sure where you will be eating. If you are eating at home consider whether you really need to get a fresh plate or glass – you could keep the same glass for water all day and if you just had a sandwich at lunch, do you need a new plate for dinner? Not only does this save on some cleaning time, but it also saves some energy as well.
Use Reusable Cutlery
Cutlery is another thing that people use a lot of without realizing it. From plastic forks and knives to paper cups and spoons, you’re probably using a lot of cutlery without even knowing it.
You can simply get a set of reusable cutlery from anywhere from the Dollar Store to Ikea. Keep a set of reusable cutlery in your bag and use them whenever you eat out and the server is offering you disposable options.
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