Because we live in a wasteful society, it is easy to bring many unneeded things home. Food waste, packaging waste, bottles and containers can pile up and create kitchen waste. As we all know, plastic waste is a major problem and we ought to separate out wet and dry waste in order to recycle them effectively. What if we prevent the waste from forming in the first place itself? Read on to know how to prevent and recycle/reuse kitchen waste for the betterment of environment:
REPLACE PLASTICS
Replace any plastic in your kitchen with a more sustainable option such as glass, metal, wood, or bamboo. Philosophy with this is- keep it affordable. Although the goal is to eventually replace these items, I strongly feel that if the item you would like to replace is only going to end up in the landfill, the most sustainable option is to use the item for as long as it works before putting it in the garbage.
CELERY TRICK
When celery starts to go soft, you may as well throw it out. Right? Not necessarily. Put limp stalks in a bowl of cold water with a few slices of raw potato. After an hour or so in this starchy bath, the stalks may deliver the crunch you expect. And while even crisp celery may turn brown, you can stop browning before it starts. Before storing the stalks in the fridge, soak them for 30 minutes in 1 quart cold water mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice- a trick that will also crisp celery just before it’s served. Best ways to reuse leftover lemons >>
COMPOST
If you can’t compost your own food scraps, see if someone else will, like your own town. Most cities and towns have a yard waste/organic waste pickup. This will reduce your waste to the landfill so much that your garbage bill will go down significantly. Compost it, don’t trash it! 40 ways to reuse tea bags >>
HANDS UP FOR BULK
Packaging is everywhere, and it’s filling up your trash bin. It doesn’t have to be this way – say YES to bulk and no to packaging. Bulk foods are typically cheaper and you can bring your own reusable bags and jars. Packaging is often made of plastic, which is made from oil, a non-renewable resource.
DITCH DISPOSABLES
There’s no need to keep paper towels, paper napkins, garbage liners, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and disposable plates or cups in the kitchen. Though it may seem strange at first, you will always find reusable alternatives when the need arises. It makes for a lot less stuff in the trash can.
REUSE DAILY GRINDS
Used coffee grounds can keep ants away. Plus, they can get rid of odours; stimulate your potted plants, and more, making them worth holding onto. You may use green tea grounds for a good facial for glowing skin! Best ways to reuse coffee grinds >>
MAKE FOOD FROM SCRATCH
You might scoff at the idea of making food from scratch, but some things are so easy that you really have no excuses. Learning to make foodstuffs from scratch is an essential part of the zero waste journey. It’s really not as hard as you think. It can be as simple as making your own frozen fruits. Try making homemade salsa or granola to prove to yourself that these are truly easier, yummier and cheaper to make at home than dragging yourself to buy them from a store. Online you will find a lot of recipes to make from your leftover food!
REUSE CONTAINERS AND BAGS
Always opt for steel or glass containers. While buying spices, condiments, chocolates; go for canned packing or glass jar packing. These jars and containers can be used to store other stuffs in the kitchen like dry spice mixes, coffee powder, sugar, tea leaves etc. Buy reusable cotton produce bags and use them to buy fruits and vegetables.