Ever consider making changes to live a more sustainable life? Here’s a list of seven sustainable swap ideas for the modern kitchen to get you started on your path to a more sustainable and intentional lifestyle.
Glass Containers & Mason Jars
If you utilize plastic food containers, consider switching to a glass alternative. Switching from plastic containers to more sustainable options such as glass is a good place to start the process of sustainable swaps around the home. One place this can be done is in the kitchen. Utilizing glass containers keeps harmful chemicals from leeching out of plastic and into the food you and your family eat.
We personally enjoy the millions of adorable ways to pack lunch inside of a mason jar on Pinterest.
Glass Spray Bottles
If the cleaning solutions you currently have stashed under your sink or in your cleaning closet are housed in plastic spray bottles, consider swapping these for glass spray bottles. This will keep harmful chemicals from leeching from the plastic and into the air you breathe when the solution inside is sprayed. For solutions that already come in a plastic bottle, we recommend moving these to a glass bottle as soon as possible.
All Natural Cleaning Tablets
If you are looking for a cleaner cleaning routine all around, may we suggest finding a company that makes all natural tablets that can be simply added to water in any spray bottle. These not only save on waste, but allow for the full removal of toxins from your cleaning routine.
Cloth Over Paper
The kitchen is a place where paper products can become consumed quite quickly. Consider swapping paper towels with microfiber cloths when cleaning up messes. And utilizing cloth dinner napkins instead of paper ones.
Reusable Coffee Cups
If you or people in your home make coffee each morning and take it to go, try swapping disposable cups for reusable ones. A simple tumbler could be an easy addition to your backpack or workbag, and makes a substantial difference on one’s footprint left on the planet.
Glass & Stainless Steel Straws
Another on the go swap to consider implementing is a glass or stainless steel straw. Consider saying no to straws at restaurants and bring along your own sustainable choice. Just remember to take it out of your drink before leaving the table!
Reusable Produce & Shopping Bags
When shopping for food at the market, there are alternative swaps that can be made before bringing purchased food into your home. Utilizing washable produce bags and reusable bags are a simple solution. These can be kept in your car or backpack and take up a small amount of space. Having these with you on trips to the market can make a large impact in the amount of plastic being consumed through a single trip to the market. Polyester bags are one of the best current options available, as these take only two reuses necessary to have the same climate change impact as single average plastic bag. And 35 uses will make the polyester option have same cumulative environmental impact (energy, water, etc.) as a single average plastic bag.
Whichever sustainable options you decide to implement, remember that every small action is a catalyst for great change. Even learning about sustainability on its own is a huge step in the right direction. Congratulate yourself for that!
Leave us a comment if you decide to implement any of these options.
