Modern-day conveniences in the kitchen are great, but they often add up to tons of extra waste and cost that we don’t even think about. But by incorporating a few easy changes to your kitchen routine, you can save money and help the environment at the same time. It’s a win-win for everyone. Here are three easy ways to add simplicity and stop waste in the kitchen.
Invest in Reusable Food and Beverage Containers
Ditch the single-use plastic baggies, paper lunch sacks, and aluminum foil. Instead, stock up on quality reusable snack bags, a sturdy lunch box and high-quality plastic or glass food containers. Also, think about reusing beverage containers to stop waste in the kitchen. So, be sure to have a water bottle and coffee mug handy at all times to avoid wasteful single-use cups.
Planning and prepping your meals in advance helps a ton also. Wash, chop and package all your fruits, veggies, proteins and carbs in your reusable containers. Add them to your fridge or freezer so you’ll have an easy, mess-free, waste-free smorgasbord to enjoy.
Use Unpaper or Reusable Towels to Stop Waste in the Kitchen
Unpaper towels are a fantastic option for reducing waste in your kitchen. You can find tons of products and DIY instructions online. Or, if you’re not so crafty, shop Etsy for some handmade versions to purchase. Most sets include 12 absorbent, reusable cloth towels snapped together on a paper-towel-sized roll.
Simply unsnap, wipe up your mess, and toss in the laundry when necessary. In the long run, you’ll save a lot of money while keeping excess waste out of the landfills.
Buy Fresh Ingredients in Bulk
Skip the individually packaged, easy to grab food items like pre-packaged apple slices or those convenient “protein packs” that are popping up everywhere. Sure, the convenience is tempting, but the extra waste and cost are never worth it. Buy whole apples and cube your own cheese. Chop your vegetables and peel your own hard-boiled eggs. You will be happy knowing you’ve made a small yet significant reduction to stop waste in the kitchen.
Whenever possible, shop farmer’s markets for fresh fruits and veggies. Though the cost is sometimes higher than at the grocery store, your ingredients typically last longer and taste better when you purchase them fresh from the source. Consider growing your own vegetables and plants in containers or outside in your yard, too.
These are just a few ways to stop waste in the kitchen waste. Look for more ideas to develop simple, healthy living habits in your home. Surprisingly, these three small changes can make a huge difference over time.
