Zero Waste- Kitchen Swaps
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is awesome. Unfortunately, we can't reuse it because of the ways we typically use it (ie. food prep, fire...). I guess you can recycle it if you're wearing it as a hat. Luckily for us, it's 2018 and we can create almost anything we want to with technology. yay! Here are some helpful alternatives to aluminum foil!
Parchment Paper: Do not recycle if you are using for food purposes! Parchment paper can be reused several times and then ultimately composted in an industrial composter (not the one in your backyard unless you're really good) Be mindful of what you purchase and check with your compost collection group to see if they will accept it.
Coffee
Even the guy who invented those single-use Kcups regrets ever making them. They are wreaking havoc on our environment. But have no fear, you don't have to sacrifice your morning routine for a less wasteful lifestyle. Here are a few zero waste coffee alternatives!
Reusable Ceramic Travel Coffee Cup
Compost
Composting is the best thing you can do to limit your waste!! If you do not have a residential compost program in your community, then these alternatives are for you!
For City Dwellers on a Budget DIY
For City Dwellers Worm Compost
Dish Soap
Refill your own at the Filleree
Plastic Wrap
I have wasted so much Cling Wrap over the years just because I couldn't figure out how to use the little saw-thing attached to the box. This stuff cannot, I repeat, CANNOT be recycled. Let's ditch it for something better, we deserve better.
Or, use a shower cap to cover left over foods... or stick a plate on top of it. Wild.
Sponges and Brushes
Most kitchen sponges are made of polyurethane, a petroleum-based product and other oil-based plastics. No matter how clean we keep them, sponges will ultimately end up in our landfills. Let's keep that plastic out of our environment and opt for some more sustainable alternatives!
Ziploc Bags
I can't remember the last time I used one of these... I have a friend who washes them out and then dries them. But our goal is to change our individual behavior so companies change their production behaviors. Let's vote with our dollar and support these innovative alternatives to plastic baggies!