A kitchen zero waste is a desire that I am for some time now. Today, I take you to my kitchen to share my tips to limit disposable waste and plastic.
In order to share a maximum of idea, I will divide this post into different categories : cupboards, accessories and cleaning products.
An important thing in this zero waste kitchen approach is that it is a process. Change can not happen overnight – especially if you want to avoid waste. So take a step back and be patient so that your kitchen progressively evolves.
Zero waste kitchen : cupboards
In recent years, I started buying bulk. However, I still had the reflex to go to the supermarket because it was the closest to my home. Today, I can hardly stand supermarkets because, as and when, there is very little that I buy there. I feel quickly oppressed by the plethora of choices and the people.
My cupboards consist mostly of jars and boxes. I will then fill them with my basics : rice, pasta, lentils, quinoa, cereals for breakfast, etc.
Initially, I went to organic stores like Naturalia. Now, as I want to further reduce my waste, I go to Day by Day stores that offer zero waste bulk. So I go to these shops with my cotton bags to fill my jars.
I try to limit all foods that are wrapped in plastic. This is not always easy – especially when you touch gluten-free.
Zero waste kitchen : accessories
I gradually invested in kitchen accessories to limit my waste. I started three years ago by stopping buying bottled water. I have glass carafes in which I filter my water with charcoal from Black + Blum. When I go out, I take my flask with me. I use the insulated bottle from MonBento.
To pack my food, I gradually switched to Bee’s Wrap. It is food packaging made from fabric soaked in beeswax and jojoba oil. These two natural ingredients help to preserve food (except raw meat) that destroy bacteria. These food packaging can be used for one year. I advise you to read the manual carefully because I damaged one of the wraps by cleaning it with hot water (especially not to do !).
Zero waste kitchen : cleaning products
It is through cleaning products that I wanted to reduce my household waste. Even though I bought them organic and with refill, I was tired of constantly filling the plastic bins. So I went to equip myself at Day by Day – which I mentioned earlier. Why did I choose Day by Day for cleaning products ? You first buy the container (mandatory because there are regulations in force) and then each time you bring it back to fill them. What a pleasure not to throw the bottles every two or three months ! In addition, the products offered by this franchise are manufactured in France and mainly based on natural products. I drastically reduced my amount of cleaning products. From now on, I only use black soap to clean the whole house, white vinegar (for limestone), a window cleaner, a toilet product and hypoallergenic laundry.
The paper towel can quickly be over-consumed. I went to the paper towel bought in organic store to use recycled fiber but I am pro cloth and fabric in the kitchen. That’s how I came to buy a roll of washable sponge paper towel. It is possible to do it yourself if you like to sew. Personally, it’s not my thing at all, so I bought it in my zero waste shop. Very practical everyday, the squares go into the washing machine. It is only to mop beets that I do not use this accessory because the red will stain the tissue !
Classic sponges have also been replaced at home. Indeed, I did not want to buy those packed in plastic anymore. So I found on Kazidomi (also available in organic or zero waste stores), single sponges or just presented in a cardboard ribbon. At Day by Day, I found scraping copper sponges that are much more durable and avoid scratching the dishes (do not use on Teflon cons !). At Day by Day, I also bought a washable sponge from the same company as the paper towel that recovers the scraps from the paper towel industry to make washable sponges. I think I’ll soon be equipped with Tawashi , which is a sponge that comes from Japan, made from old clothes.
And you, what are your tips to reduce waste in the kitchen ?
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