How to be More Sustainable in Your Kitchen
It's no secret that the way we live affects the environment. The choices we make about the products we buy and use every day can have a big impact on the planet. In the kitchen, we can often be guilty of using disposable products without thinking about the consequences. But small changes can make a big difference. Here are some easy ways to be more sustainable in your kitchen and save some money too!
Invest in Quality Cookware
We’ve all been there - standing in front of the cookware aisle at the store, feeling overwhelmed by the sea of options. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but when it comes to cookware, cheaper isn’t always better. In fact, it’s often just the opposite. Cheap cookware is more likely to be made from inferior materials that will warp and corrode over time, meaning you’ll have to replace it more frequently. And each time you replace your cookware, more waste ends up in landfills.
Instead of opting for cheap, disposable cookware, invest in a few quality cookware pieces that will last you a lifetime. Stainless steel is a great option - it doesn’t rust or corrode, and it’s easy to clean. A good set of pots and pans will cost you a bit more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run - and they’re better for the environment too!
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning your kitchen, chances are you reach for the same products your mom or grandma used when they were cleaning up after dinner parties. But just because something is “traditional” doesn’t mean it’s best for the environment - or your health!
Many standard cleaning products are loaded with harmful chemicals that can end up in our waterways and eventually our drinking water. Not only that, but these chemicals can also emit gas into the air inside our homes, causing indoor air pollution.
There are plenty of eco-friendly options out there that work just as well (if not better!) than their traditional counterparts without all the harmful side effects. These days, you can find everything from dish soap and dishwasher detergent to all-purpose cleaners and oven cleaners that are earth-friendly and non-toxic.
Reusable Cloth Napkins
One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact in the kitchen is to switch to reusable cloth napkins. Paper towels and napkins are one of the biggest offenders when it comes to kitchen waste. Thousands of paper towels are used every year! That's a lot of trees being cut down and a lot of landfill space being taken up. Cloth napkins are just as effective as paper ones, but they can be reused again and again. Plus, they add a bit of sophistication to your mealtimes!
Reusable Storage Containers
Another area where we can cut down on waste is by using reusable storage containers instead of disposable plastic bags or wraps. Zip-top bags are great for packing sandwiches and snacks on the go, but they're not so great for the environment. Once you've used them a few times, they end up in the trash. Reusable containers are sturdier and will last much longer, plus they're often easier to open and close too! You can find all sorts of sizes and shapes to suit your needs.
Forge & Fig Reusable Shopping Bag Set
If you're looking for an all-in-one solution to reduce your environmental impact, then check out our Reusable Shopping Bag Set! It comes with two reusable shopping bags, one for produce and one for dry goods, as well as six cotton muslin bags for storing nuts, grains, and beans. They're all made from 100% natural materials and can be used over and over again. Plus, they're machine washable so you can keep them clean and fresh for next time.
Invest in Flaxie Freeze Freezer Bags
No more plastic freezer bags! Now you can freeze your food in style with these durable, recyclable, and healthy Flaxie Freeze totes. Made from the same fabric (PUL) as our popular "Flaxie lunch bag" range of products they are free from BPA-free plastics that might leach chemicals or toxins when ingested by either human beings or animals over time - not even water will penetrate this material due to its high resistance levels; it's also PVC Free so there is no worry about unpleasant smells emerging during freezing processes either
Bring Your Own Reusable Produce Bags
While we’re on the subject of reusable bags, let’s talk about produce bags. Plastic waste could easily be avoided by using reusable produce bags. These Reusable Produce Bags from Forge & Fig are made of 100% organic cotton and are machine-washable. They’re also lightweight and compact, so they’re easy to throw in your bag when you head to the supermarket.
Ditch Disposable Straws
Another easy way to make your kitchen more sustainable is to ditch disposable straws in favour of reusable ones. Millions of straws are used and discarded every day. That’s a lot of straws! And all those straws end up in landfills or polluting our oceans. We love these Metal Straw Sets from Forge & Fig because they come with everything you need to ditch disposable straws for good - including a carrying case and cleaning brush.
Bring Your Own Drinks Flask
Do you buy tea or coffee on your way to work? If so, consider investing in a reusable drinks flask. Billions of disposable cups are used around the world each year. That’s a lot of cups headed for the landfill! A reusable flask is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact - and it can save you money, too! This Reusable Drinks Flask from Forge & Fig will keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold - perfect for those mornings when you need an extra caffeine boost. It keeps hot drinks hot for 18 hours and cold drinks cold for 24 hours.
Making small changes in your kitchen can have a big impact on the environment. Just by switching to reusable bags, produce bags, straws, and cups, you can make a difference! Visit the Forge & Fig online shop today to get started with some environmentally-friendly swaps!
