Do you want to reduce the amount of waste you produce, but don’t know where to start? Try starting in the kitchen! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American generates 4.9 pounds of trash every day. Some of this can be recycled or composted, but much of it ends up in landfills. Reducing your kitchen waste may seem like a small step, but these small steps will add up over time and you’ll be reducing more trash than you think! Here are a few low waste kitchen swaps that you can try today.
- Ziploc Bags –> Silicone Bags
Americans use 100 billion plastic bags each year. Most of these take close to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill. Instead of using Ziploc bags for your snacks and sandwiches, use silicone! Silicone bags are extremely durable and can be used for many years to come.
- Plastic Straws –> Metal/Glass Straws
If you like to sip your drinks through a straw, ditch the plastic and use a metal or glass straw instead. Metal and glass straws are not only good for the environment, but they come in a variety of colors and designs. Choose one that you love, and with the proper care, it can last a whole lifetime!
- Plastic Sponge –> Compostable Sponge/Dish Brush
Did you know that many sponges are made of plastic? To avoid these, try using sponges or scrubbers made from coconut fibers, loofah, or other natural materials.
- Plastic Trash Bags –> Biodegradable Trash Bags
Biodegradable trash bags are one of the easiest swaps, as you don’t have to change the way you use them. The only difference between plastic trash bags and biodegradable ones is the materials they’re made of! Many are made from corn or other plants, and unlike regular trash bags, they don’t release toxic materials into the environment.
- Plastic Food Wrap –> Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap
Do you find yourself using a lot of foil or cling wrap? Invest in reusable food wraps made with beeswax! These cotton sheets coated in beeswax, oils and resin can be molded to cover any container, bowl or cup. Bonus – they’re beautiful to look at!
- Parchment Paper –> Silicone Baking Mat
If you love baking, we’ve got the zero-waste swap for you! To keep your treats from sticking to the pan, use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper or grease.
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