Kitchen waste is a huge problem here in the US. Unfortunately, a ton of waste from our kitchen is the form of food waste, I’ll touch on food waste another time. But there are a lot of other sources of garbage in our kitchen, especially when it comes to plastic waste. Here are few ways you can avoid plastic waste in your kitchen!
SWAP #1: DISH WASHING BLOCK or REFILL DISH SOAP (locally)
Plastic dish soap bottles are one of the most common sources of waste in many households. These bottles are typically made from non-biodegradable petroleum-based materials that can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment. They also often contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the environment and contribute to pollution and health problems. In addition, many plastic dish soap bottles are not recyclable in curbside programs, meaning they end up in landfills or oceans. To reduce waste from plastic dish soap bottles, people can switch to more sustainable alternatives, such as refillable glass or metal containers or bars of soap that come without packaging. By making these small changes, individuals can help reduce their impact on the environment and move towards a more sustainable future.
That being said I must say that I am absolutely in love with my refill store! I refill lots of things there, but I’ll save that for another blog post. One thing I love to refill is my dish soap dispenser! I have saved dozens of plastic dish soap bottles from going to the landfill! Before I had the luxury of having a refill market so close I used to use dish washing blocks. I love this zero waste tool because they last such a long time! You buy a <a href="http://<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1778001&u=3696185&m=110853&urllink=&afftrack=">Shop Now at Zero Waste Storedish washing block, place it on your kitchen sink on top of a soap saver dish. To use it you just wet a sponge (bamboo of course!) then gently rub the dish soap block and watch the magical amount of suds it provides! It’s also non-toxic!! Dude, it cleans so well I was truly amazed. The brand I love the most is from notoxlife.com but there are several other brands that sell dish soap blocks. You should totally give these easy swaps a try!
SWAP #2: BAMBOO SPONGES
Bamboo sponges have gained popularity in recent years as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic sponges. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource that grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers. In contrast, plastic sponges are made from non-renewable petroleum-based materials that can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, leading to pollution and harm to wildlife. One of the key benefits of bamboo sponges is their biodegradability. When disposed of properly, they will break down in a matter of months, leaving no harmful residues behind. In contrast, plastic sponges will persist in the environment for centuries, releasing toxic chemicals as they degrade.
Another advantage of bamboo sponges is that they are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. This means that they are resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making them a more hygienic choice than traditional sponges. Bamboo fibers are also gentle on surfaces, making them ideal for cleaning delicate items like glassware, dishes, and electronics. In addition to their environmental and health benefits, bamboo sponges are also very durable and long-lasting. They can be washed and reused many times, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further minimizing waste.
Overall, bamboo sponges are a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. With their natural antibacterial properties, biodegradability, and durability, they offer a superior alternative to plastic sponges that benefits both people and the planet. You can shop for <a href="http://<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1778001&u=3696185&m=110853&urllink=&afftrack=">Shop Now at Zero Waste Storebamboo sponges here.
SWAP #3: UNPAPER TOWELS
Paper towels are a common household item that are often used for cleaning up spills, wiping surfaces, and drying hands. However, they are also a significant source of waste and can have negative impacts on the environment. Paper towels are made from trees, which are a valuable natural resource that take years to grow and provide important ecosystem services. Additionally, the manufacturing process for paper towels requires significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, contributing to pollution and climate change. Once used, paper towels typically end up in landfills, where they can take years to decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. To reduce the environmental impact of paper towels, people can switch to reusable cloth towels or invest in compostable paper towels made from recycled materials. By making these small changes, individuals can help reduce their impact on the environment and move towards a more sustainable future.
This is one switch that takes time getting use to. Over time I have been able to get use to using cloth towels for cleaning and using a product called UNPaper towels. These are absorbent cloths made from flannel. They are pretty neat in that they cling together on a regular “paper towel” roll so it super convenient to use. Once you set up your kitchen to use less paper towels it makes the switch even easier. I have two designated areas for used cloth towels. I have a little catch bin in the kitchen, after wiping or cleaning something I toss them there. You can store them with or without water which ever you prefer. Some people put the used cloths in a small bin of bleach or cleaning solution until they are ready to be laundered. I then have a larger bin next to my washer machine so that I can transfer from my kitchen, and wash a larger load when they are ready. If you don’t set your self up for the swap its easy to just keep using paper towels. Don’t get me wrong I do have a roll here and there but I have greatly reduced the amount of paper towels I use on a daily basis. Zero/ low waste living is not about perfection but more about making little conscious decisions everyday to reduce waste. Shop for <a href="http://<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1778001&u=3696185&m=110853&urllink=&afftrack=">Shop Now at Zero Waste StoreUNpaper towels here.
“Buy less, choose well, make it last” -Vivienne Westwood
Here is a picture of my UNpaper towel roll & favorite dish washing block. =)
Here are a couple of snaps when I visit the refill store! I am obsessed! Go check it out!
Liz Dutra 