How to Create a Zero Waste Kitchen

With a few easy swaps you can create a zero waste kitchen and feel good about doing your part for the environment. Creating an eco-friendly space doesn't have to be difficult. There is so much information about zero waste living on the internet that you can get a bit lost in it. So, we've boiled it down just the essentials you need to get started creating an eco friendly and zero waste kitchen.

What is zero waste living?

Zero waste living is exactly like it sounds. Living a life without leaving unncessary waste behind such as single-use plastic is essentially how to live a zero waste life. The number one thing you need to know about zero waste living is to say no to plastic wherever possible. The second most important thing is to utilize reusable items where you can.

Can you be completely zero waste? Sure. Do you have to be? No. I don't want you to think that if you can't live a completely zero waste life then it's not worth trying. Remember, small progress is still progress! If everyone just changes one or two habits, that can go a long way in reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in our environment.

What to look for in zero waste items?

If you're just starting out on your zero waste journey, odds are you're going to have to do a little shopping for some sustainable and plastic-free home goods. There are many zero-waste shops and shops that sell sustainable home goods including us! An added benefit of creating a zero waste kitchen is the money you will save by not having to replenish single use items such as plastic sandwich bags! Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're shopping for sustainable home goods:

Try To Be As Plastic-Free As Possible!

If you can, try not to purchase items that contain plastic. For example, Stashers are a popular zero waste alternative to the age-old plastic sandwich bags. They're made from silicone, they can be used over and over again and, of course, no plastic waste!

Home Goods Made of Sustainable Materials

As we mentioned before, try to steer clear of single use items where you can. Depending on the material, manufacturing that item can still cause harm to our environment even if the item isn't made of plastic. Focus on reusable, refillable, and recyclable items that will stand the test of time! Glass and stoneware are great options for high-use items that need to last.

Biodegradable or Sustainable Packaging

Another important thing to look for in zero waste home goods is the packaging. An easy sustainable kitchen swap that people often do is bulk soap refills. However, many bulk soap refills are packaged in large plastic bottles. That pretty much defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Instead of buying bulky plastic jugs of soap, choose for soap that is packaged in recyclable pouches or aluminum bottles.

Zero Waste Kitchen Essentials

Now that you know what the zero waste lifestyle is, here are some sustainable kitchen essentials to get you started.

Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags

Growing up, the amount of plastic bags we would go through as a family of 5 was astounding. It seemed like my mom could never buy enough even when she bought in bulk. Today, there are great alternatives to single-use plastic food bags like Stashers. Stashers are made of silicone and are packaged in eco-friendly packaging so it's a win-win!

Glass Food Storage Containers

Say goodbye to Tupperware and hello to glass! Not only are glass storage containers more sustainable, but they're actually better for you too! They don't contain any harmful chemicals that plastic does such as BPA and they will last decades.

Wooden Cooking Utensils

We absolutely love cooking with wooden utensils! They can handle heat better and bacteria is slower to grow on wood compared to plastic. Another added benefit of wood cooking utensils is the fact that wood is a natural product and is non-reactive. This means your utensils will not put harmful chemicals into your food.

Refillable Soap Dispensers

Another area of the home that you can easily cut down on waste is the kitchen sink. Specifically, your hand soap and dish soap dispensers. Not only can a set of soap dispensers elevate the entire look of your kitchen, but they are an incredibly useful tool in reducing the staggering amount of single-use plastic soap bottles consumed in homes across America each year.

Creating a Zero Waste Kitchen

Transforming your current kitchen routine into a zero-waste lifestyle doesn't have to be difficult. With a few simple and sustainable swaps such as refillable soap dispensers, wooden cooking utensils, and bulk soap refills, you'll be well on your way to living a more eco-friendly and waste-free lifestyle!