Green Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
There’s no denying that there’s a lot of waste in the way we eat, cook, and consume food. This not only effects our environment adversely, but also the foods we eat. However, instead of dwelling on the negativity of the situation, I want to focus on ways we can reduce waste and become greener in the kitchen through actionable steps. Together, we have the power to make a difference and to change our world for the better. I hope this list inspires you to reduce waste in your kitchen and implement more environmentally friendly practices. Don’t feel like you have to implement all of these strategies at once, it’s better to start small than not at all!
Become Greener in the Kitchen and Reduce Waste
Plastics to Avoid and Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
Single-use plastics plague our environment. They have become such a widespread part of daily life, especially in the hospitality industry, as well as in consumers’ homes and kitchens. Luckily, there are green alternatives to most of the single-use plastics out there. We have the power to become more aware of our plastic consumption and choose more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Etee Wraps: A Green Alternative to Plastic Wrap
- Avoid: Saran Wrap or Plastic Wrap
Alternative: Biodegradable Reusable Food Wraps. How many times do you use plastic wrap to seal and preserve food leftover in a container or to wrap up a half-used vegetable? Well, now imagine if you can achieve the same results with a reusable, biodegradable product, without sacrificing convenience or quality. Meet etee wraps; they’re made with beeswax and other all-natural ingredients. I use them for everything.
Metal Straws: A Green Alternative to Plastic Straws
- Avoid: Plastic Straws
Alternatives: Forego Straws Altogether or Use Metal Straws. I hate seeing plastic straws littered on the beach or in the streets. They’re a blight and not necessary. But, sometimes it’s nice to have a straw in your beverage—for smoothies, slushies, frozen drinks—and when you want one, consider using metal straws. I like the one with silicone tips because they keep your lips from getting cold when drinking cold liquids.
Tips to implement: Lots of restaurants, drive-throughs, bars, and other food joints will automatically give you a plastic straw without you asking. I recommend when ordering to say, “No straw please.” Also, buy a traveling case for your metal straws and a cleaning brush, that way you can carry them in your purse and have them when you’re on-the-go.
Reusable Grocery Bags: A Green Alternative to Plastic Bags
- Avoid: Plastic grocery bags
Alternative: Reusable grocery bags. Most people go grocery shopping at least once a week. By using reusable eco-friendly bags every time you shop, you will reduce the plastic you use significantly.
Tips to Implement: A lot of times people forget their reusable bags at home (trust me, I’ve done this many times myself); however, I find if you put your reusable bags into your car, after each shopping trip, you’ll have no excuse to not use them.
Now, what if you forget them in your car? Well, my mom did this and she actually asked the grocery clerk to not bag her groceries and then she loaded the groceries into her reusable bags when she got to the car. Yes, it’s more work, but the environment is worth it, right?
Also, consider carrying a canvas grocery bag in your purse, backpack, or briefcase, so you always have one handy for spur-of-the-moment shopping trips.
Environmentally Friendly Reusable Produce Bags
- Avoid: Plastic Produce Bags
Alternative: Reusable Produce Bags. I buy a lot of produce. It used to bug me to use so many plastic bags when shopping. Luckily, I found these reusable muslin produce bags and they’re a game changer. I no longer stress about the amount of produce I’m buying. Plus, they’re great for storing veggies in the fridge and they’re machine-washable!
Eco-Sil Bags: A Green Alternative to Ziploc Bags
- Avoid: Ziploc Bags
Alternative: Reusable Food-Safe Baggies and Freezer Bags. I’m not going to lie; it was daunting at first to contemplate giving up Ziploc bags. They’re such a versatile kitchen tool, as well as an excellent way to transport food. However, I recently purchased Eco-Sil bags and they’re incredible. Not only can they hold liquid and not leak, you can use them in the freezer and in boiling water. They make an excellent green-alternative to single-use Ziplocs. Note: these bags are a little hard to open and close; this isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I wouldn’t buy them if you’re planning on having kids use them. If anyone has any kid-friendly alternatives, let me know in the comments.
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to become greener in the kitchen and to reduce waste. We only have one environment and I want to do my part in preserving it. I will continue to share ideas and tips throughout the year as I discover new ways to live waste free. Please leave comments, if you have other ideas and tips to help reduce waste!
