The kitchen is part of the home that makes the most waste; there’s no doubt about that. It’s oftentimes shocking to see how much waste can come from preparing just one meal. For example, you have to buy the ingredients, which usually come in packaging that is meant to be used once and then tossed. You also have to use paper towels, parchment paper, aluminum foil, and similar kitchen supplies, all of which are thrown out after a single use. We think the time has come for us all to start being more intentional with waste in the kitchen. Cheap, single-use products are going out of style while sustainability is replacing them as the norm. Today, we’re here to help you have the sustainable kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll do this by telling you all about three eco-friendly kitchen products that will help you reduce waste in the kitchen. From a multi-purpose baking sheet to a pour-over coffee maker, we’ve compiled all the best items that will help you maintain a sustainable kitchen. To learn what these products are, keep on reading.
Baking Sheet
A baking sheet is a necessary kitchen staple because it serves a wide variety of different purposes. Need to roast some vegetables? Spread out all your favorites onto a baking sheet, and after a few minutes in the oven, you’ll have perfectly roasted vegetables. Want to bake your family’s famous chocolate chip recipe? You can use a baking sheet for that, too! Baking sheets are the end-all-be-all when it comes to baking in the oven, and since they can be used for so many different dishes, baking sheets are perfect for a sustainable kitchen.
Instead of going out and buying a pot or glass pan every time you want to try a new recipe, opt for the baking sheet instead. Additionally, they’re easy to store and stack, too, due to their size. We highly recommend getting a baking sheet or two; they will help reduce the waste you make in your kitchen substantially.
Reusable Produce and Grocery Bags
Did you know that each year, approximately a million sea creatures die due to plastic pollution in the ocean? A huge percentage of this horrible pollution consists of single-use produce and grocery bags. We’re all familiar with them – the thin little bags in the produce sections of grocery stores and the ones we use to carry our groceries from the cashier to our vehicles. As harmless as they might seem, in reality, these plastic bags are a major health hazard to not only sea creatures but to the world in general. Thankfully, there are ways to say “no” to single-use produce and grocery bags, and one of those ways is to use reusable bags. Instead of bringing home single-use grocery bags from the store, you can bring a few large canvas bags that will safely hold your groceries and can be reused for many grocery stores runs in the future. Smaller mesh or canvas bags are useful for buying fruits and veggies and can also be washed and reused hundreds of times if taken care of properly. Imagine the sheer number of plastic bags you’d be keeping out of the ocean by opting for reusable bags over single-use bags. This small change makes a huge difference, so start using reusable produce and grocery bags today.
Pour Over Coffee Maker
If you want to have a sustainable kitchen and you love coffee, then you need to get a pour-over coffee maker. Pour overs are better than traditional coffee makers for a number of reasons. Firstly, aside from heating the water, they require no energy, so they can help you save on your electricity bill. Secondly, you can get a pour-over that comes with a reusable filter; no need to throw away paper coffee filters every day!
After using them to brew some coffee, reusable pour-over filters just need to be washed, and then they’ll be ready for your next batch of coffee. Thirdly, this method of making coffee allows you to have more control over the taste and texture of your coffee, making pour-overs the ideal coffee-making method for coffee connoisseurs. You won’t regret switching from a coffee machine to a pour-over.
Conclusion
In summary, here are the three essential eco-friendly kitchen products we mentioned in today’s article:
- Baking sheet
- Reusable produce and grocery bags
- Pour over coffee maker
By using these three simple items, you can make a big impact on the planet. Plus, it feels good to be sustainable! Trust us; once you go sustainable, you’ll never want to go back.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
