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There are so many ways to reduce waste in our everyday lives, especially in the kitchen. Here are 5 ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly and sustainable!
Happy Earth Day!
I’ll admit – I am not perfect when it comes to making more eco-friendly or environmentally friendly choices in the kitchen. But this list here is all about making tiny changes that will help make a bigger impact.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
This was the slogan drilled into our brains as children.
But most of my adult life, I’ve tried to Recycle the best I can, because that is what was always top of mind.
Over the last few months, I have tried to become more mindful of the other two parts of the equation – Reuse items and Reduce the waste in my kitchen, especially when baking. Two things that I’m focusing on are
- Reduce waste when baking
- Choose Reusable products when possible
Here are some of the changes I’ve made in my kitchen, and in honor of Earth Day I wanted to share with you all! Whether you’re more of a cook or a baker, these tips will help you reduce waste in your kitchen, and choose reusable products that are better for the environment!
1 – Opt for Reusable Baking Tools
There are a ton of different baking tools available, and they all have their place. I love to bake, but I hate all the clutter some of those items create! In the past, I’ve shared all of my favorite baking tools that I think all home bakers need. Here are some swaps you can make in your baking kitchen, to reduce your impact on the environment and build a more eco-friendly baking arsenal.
Reusable Piping Bags
I make a lot of macarons, and frost a lot of cupcakes! Both of these bakes require a ton of piping bags to get them to look their best!
The default is always for me to use plastic piping bags, because they are the easiest option, and require the least amount of cleaning. However, I’m slowly starting to switch to reusable piping bags, so I can reduce my reliance on plastic piping bags. Here are some suggestions:
Silicone baking mats and cups
My kitchen is always stocked with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or single-use cupcake liners to bake things all the cookies, muffins, or cupcakes.
In my effort to be more mindful of single-use products, I am trying to bake on silicone mats, like these baking mats that I use for macarons. As well, as using these types of silicone cups when baking cupcakes and muffins.
Cookie Scribes
I tend to go through a lot of toothpicks when baking. These are helpful when checking if the cake is done, or to pop bubbles on macarons or royal icing on cookies. But once you’re done, you throw them out!
I have started to use more of these cookie scribes, made with stainless steel and silicone beads. And bonus: They come in a variety of shapes, and colors to add spunk to your baking supplies!
2 – Bake with Seasonal Ingredients
I try my best to plan baking recipes and my weekly food plan around what fruits and vegetables are in season. This helps because I know that there is a greater chance that the ingredients are coming from a local source. Local food doesn’t have to travel as far to arrive on your plate, so it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to improving our carbon footprint.
Another option is to use frozen foods when vegetables or fruits are out of season. They pack in the same nutrients, and can be easier to reduce food waste if you’re only cooking for two!
While you’re at it, use mesh bags or cotton bags to carry your produce home, rather than using the plastic produce bags at most grocery stores.
3 – Packaging matters
When picking out pantry items at the grocery store, take a look at the packaging of the products. Some tips:
- Opt for glass bottles over plastic – glass jars are easy to reuse as storage later.
- Buy in bulk if possible, to reduce packaging waste – as long as you’re sure you’ll go through it before it goes bad!
4 – Storing Leftovers
When baking, there are always items that need to be made in advance, like ganaches or cookie dough or you might have leftover components. And then there is the final result of your bakes that you might want to store in the fridge to eat the rest of the week.
Bowls with lids are my personal favorite type of bowls. I love using them to chill cookie dough, or store ganaches or curds or fillings that I’m making in advance!
Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic wraps on bowls. I also love having a set of bowls, that already have a lid, for steps like chilling cookie dough!
Reusable food bags, like these Stasher Bags are a great alternative to disposable Ziploc bags, and they come in handy for carrying snacks, or storing leftover cookies or muffins!
5 – Clean up
I’m ashamed to admit that we go through paper towels like it’s no one’s business around here. Especially, this past year with the pandemic, and wiping down every surface we touch multiple times a day with Lysol!
One of the changes I’m making is by using these Swedish Dish Cloths when possible. They are machine washable, harbor fewer bacteria, and can last for months!
Bonus: they come in different colors and patterns to match your style and aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
Think of these sustainable swaps as a long-term commitment to the environment. There are a ton of ways to reduce waste, use more eco-friendly products, and it takes time to do your research and pick the items that will make an impact. Try to change a few things, and see how they go before overhauling your entire kitchen. It’s about getting a little better every day.
Are there any other tips you would add to this list? I’d love to hear from you!
Find me on Instagram @sprinklesandscribbles for more dessert inspiration and baking tips!
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