The kitchen area of every home is likely the powerhouse that enables its members to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities using scrumptious and energizing meals that are prepared there. You could say that this room is where all the action takes place, from breakfast, lunch, and a few snacks in between, all the way up to dinner. As a result, it should come as no surprise that a kitchen is typically covered in a mountain of filth, garbage, and waste. In addition to being loaded down with discarded food items, it also has an excessive amount of plastic debris. It doesn’t matter what you call it: plastic packaging, plastic bags, plastic tubs, sealed plastic bags, plastic bottles, and every other type of plastic packaging. To say that a single kitchen is responsible for a significant amount of the world’s plastic waste would be an understatement at this point, wouldn’t it?
The amount of waste plastic collected each year is estimated to be four hundred million metric tons. Many of these end up as pollutants, which interfere with the natural processes that occur in the environment, and some of these end up destroying ecosystems. As a consequence of this, it has an impact not only on the standard of living enjoyed by humans but also on animals and plants. Plastic, which is well-known to contain dangerous compounds, is known to cause adverse health consequences such as irritation to the skin and the eyes, impairment to the sensory organs, and deterioration of the respiratory systems of those who are exposed to it.
Taking into account all of these factors, it is only reasonable for you and me to make an effort to wean ourselves off of plastics and embark on a path that will eventually lead us to greener surroundings. As a result, the first step forward into a greener world is to eliminate the plastic pollutants that are found in our kitchens. There must be an alternative to plastics that is better for the environment and that you can use for your kitchen essentials. Aside from using an excessive amount of plastic, you should also familiarize yourself with more environmentally friendly methods of cooking, storing, and preparing food to avoid jeopardizing environmental concerns.
Continue reading if you have already made the decision to switch to sustainable and environmentally friendly kitchen brands but are unsure how to get started making the transition. In this article, we will discuss the most beneficial alternatives for the products you use in your kitchen. These alternatives are inexpensive, safe for the environment, and can generally be applied to the 3Rs, which stand for reuse, reduction, and recycling. We have compiled a list of 15 products for your kitchen that are better for the environment and that you can choose to use instead.
A Brush for Cleaning Dishes Made of Natural Bamboo
The first item on the list is a remarkable brush for washing dishes that are crafted from bamboo of the highest possible natural quality. Coconut and sisal fibers, along with those from bamboo and loofah plants, give the bristles their durability. Because of this, there are no potentially hazardous components like micro-plastic polyester or nylon. Cleaning utensils and wares used in the kitchen, such as cutlery, glassware, containers, trays, chopping boards, and bowls, are made easy with this product. In addition to that, you are also able to clean the tiles in your bathroom and even do the laundry with them.
Reusable Grocery Bags
The following item is a set of reusable grocery bags that are constructed entirely out of the organic cotton weave. This bag is long-lasting, sturdy, and fashionable all in one. It is an ideal bag to carry to the supermarket with you when you go shopping. It can support the weight of various food supplies, including fresh produce, tinned food, and other food items. Because you have this, you won’t need to bring your groceries home in one of the plastic bags that are kept at the checkout counter. Because they are so easy to clean and reuse, you won’t need to spend any additional money on brand-new bags since you can merely wash, rinse, and reuse the old ones.
Environmentally friendly garbage Sacks
Every kitchen needs to have at least one of these eco-friendly trash bags. Because it is constructed using high-quality recycled materials, you do not need to be concerned about anything. It can support substantial heaps of food waste and other heavy produce commonly found in kitchens. In addition, it features a sturdy star seal that prevents the garbage bag from ripping or leaking in any way, despite its ability to expand.
Paper Towels That Can Be Reused
Have you previously heard of paper towels that can be used more than once? The good news is that you can get this reusable paper towel made from organic cotton for a price that isn’t too steep. Because fewer paper towels intended for single use are required, it has a positive impact on the environment. In addition, it is a high-quality paper towel that can be utilized anywhere inside the house, including the dining table, the kitchen, and the bathroom.
Beeswax Wraps
When used in large quantities, even a single use of clingfilm can pose a risk to the surrounding environment. Because of this, using reusable food wraps or wraps made of beeswax is a more environmentally friendly option for storing food. You can use this to wrap sandwiches, leftover food, and other food products in a variety of ways. Not only that, but it can be cleaned, reused, and broken down into compost. In most cases, organic jojoba oil is used to finish off these plastic-free food storage containers. Jojoba oil has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory and restorative qualities. Because of this, wraps made of beeswax are an improved option for preserving food.
Biodegradable Plates
These biodegradable plates are ideal for use at events as well as in the kitchen daily. They are made from sugarcane fibers and do not use any dyes or colors that are manufactured in a lab. You can store food in it, regardless of whether it is hot or cold, along with other foods, ingredients, and spices. After use, you won’t have any trouble getting rid of them because they can be composted. In the presence of the appropriate conditions, they will naturally decompose into non-hazardous and organic components, rendering them harmless to the surrounding ecosystem.
Bags for the Reusable Storing of Food
The next thing that you need to make sure you have in your kitchen is a supply of these reusable bags for storing food. These are high-quality zip-lock double bags that can be used to store leftovers as well as snacks. They are also able to assist in the preservation of perishable goods such as meat, vegetables, and fruits. These bags are completely safe, secure, and leak-proof, in addition to being waterproof.
Environmentally friendly Kitchen Sponge
Because regular sponges are crafted from oil-based plastics, it can be said that they do not contribute much to environmental friendliness. The development of these all-natural sponges for use in the kitchen, on the other hand, should alleviate some of your concerns. These sponges are made entirely of plant-based materials, more specifically the cellulose found in wood and coconut fibers. They are also extremely conducive to all types of cleaning tasks and the overall efficiency of the kitchen. Even if you don’t use them in the kitchen, you can put these sponges to use for other types of cleaning. This could entail cleaning the windows, living room, bathroom, patio tiles, and other areas of the house.
Bowls Made From Natural Coconut
These organic coconut bowls are fashioned by hand from the discarded shells of coconuts. Not only are they harmless to the environment, but they also feature intricate designs that are lovely and aesthetically pleasing. They work wonderfully in smoothies, as well as soups, stews, and broths. These bowls are so versatile that they can even be used as ornaments to spruce up your kitchen. In addition, the coconuts that were used contained no traces of plastic, chemicals, or pesticides of any kind.
Beverage Stirrers
Attention all those who adore coffee! These coffee stirrers are constructed entirely out of pieces of white birch wood. The fact that these stirrers are constructed from renewable materials makes them an unquestionably more environmentally friendly option than stirrers made of plastic. Additionally, they are of exceptional quality and won’t shred or disintegrate in any way.
Ladle and Spoon Made of Natural Wood
For the next soup dish you make, you absolutely must acquire this natural wood spoon ladle. Because it is made of natural wood, it is good for the environment, it is not heavy, and it does not rust. The ladle has an elegant design and is very comfortable to hold in one’s hand. In addition to this, it is very simple to clean. To store it properly, all you need is a gentle soap and a cool, dry place to keep it.
Bamboo Placemats for Dining Tables
Bamboo is a material that is both renewable and versatile. As a result, table placemats crafted from bamboo are excellent alternatives to those manufactured from vinyl. They come in a variety of colors, are long-lasting, and are handcrafted to guarantee the products’ quality. In addition to that, these placemats are very simple to clean and put away when not in use. Rolling it up, storing it, and maintaining it in a flattened state will allow you to save a significant amount of space.
Food Containers Made Out Of Glass, with Lids Made of Bamboo
These food storage containers are non-toxic, free of BPA and phthalates, and made entirely out of the biodegradable glass; there is no plastic used in their construction. In addition to that, it does not contain any Styrofoam and is completely recyclable. As a result, these glass storage containers are superior to food containers made of plastic in several ways. The airtight seal ensures the safety of the food that has been stored. In contrast to plastic containers, these food storage containers are suitable for use in heavy-duty ovens, microwaves, and freezers without fear of damage.
Dish Soap Bamboo Draining Holder
This draining dish soap made of bamboo is the ideal container for cradling your cleaning soap because it allows excess water to drain away. Bamboo soap trays and shelves are an instantly more environmentally friendly option than their plastic counterparts because bamboo is used in their construction. Its portability, high water absorption capacity, and non-toxic coating are just some of its features. In addition to this, it is entirely made of biodegradable materials and possesses antibacterial qualities derived from bamboo.
Compostable Bamboo Kitchen Bowl
The bamboo that was used to make this kitchen bowl makes it resistant to heat and cold, as well as reusable and safe for the dishwasher. They are constructed using only natural fibers and binders derived from plants. Depending on how well they are maintained, these reusable foods have a shelf life of up to a year.