Plastic Free July - Small Steps to an Eco-Friendly Kitchen!

Step 1. Ditch the Plastic while Shopping!

For the month of July, I'm trying to go more eco-conscious in the kitchen. I’ve noticed our recycling bin gets full quickly and with little effort. So, I’ve been swapping out old storage ways that involve plastic, cling wraps and plastic sandwich bags by going with something new and more sustainable. Thankfully there are so many new ways to store food with an eco-consciousness in mind. This switch does not have to be sudden, but rather a gradual change. These little steps to become more conscious of our purchases and what we bring into our space are important to start the process of a greener life practice overall.

We’ve gotten so accustomed to plastic in every part of our lives. It pervades our daily lives so subtly. I understand some things need to be plastic (For sanitary reasons, etc.). However, in my opinion, things in my kitchen don't need to be sitting in plastics and cardboards for extended periods of time.

Why should it matter what these things look like or are made of you may ask? Why do I prefer beautiful, naturally crafted bags, metal or wood cooking utensils, glass storage containers and cleaning tools over synthetic, plastic ones if they are going to be used for scrubbing grime, get worn out or dirty?

My answer is simple: All of these items, even the ones we clean with, can and should be sustainable, well-made and valued. All the while adding natural beauty to a space or experience.

Companies have made plastic all too easy to get away from nature. But in my house, I crave the balance of nature, whether it is creating an herb garden to tend to in my kitchen, or use a scrub brush made of wood and biodegradable fibres. Every little bit matters for mental and physical health. Everything is intertwined in some way.

Grocery Shopping

I have realized that it is important to buy things with intention if you want to get away from plastics.

1. Create a grocery list - Before we even go out, we decide what our meals will look like for the week and create our list around that. - Creating a list empowers you to decide what you’re bringing into the house and the kitchen. When we become more intentional with our meals we become more intentional with the food we bring in. Routine and meal planning is my jam as I get nearer to 30. The less I have to think about the better. It's a relief to know what I'm buying for that week and what I'm eating. By being conscious of making a list, we are being more proactive to choose those healthier alternatives, and buy food that is free from the packaging.

2. Shop locally, buy locally! When it's in season, find a local farmers market. Not only are you supporting farmers, but you are buying fruits and veggies in season! You'll be able to talk to the farmer or grower and get more information on how it's grown, where and their practices.

3. Buy in bulk - I love the bulk section! It offers variety without plastic consumption. Places like the Bulk Barn love when you bring in your own container, or if you’ve forgotten a container you can purchase another one from their store! With this practice alone it's honestly getting so much easier to remove plastic from our shopping routine!

4. If it's in plastic leave it on the shelf. That’s my rule when it comes to shopping in the grocery store. There's probably an alternative to it. When you shop the produce aisle at your grocery store you’ll start to notice things wrapped or stored in plastic, but along with that, there is also a plastic-free alternative! When you look around you'll start to realize how much plastic is in the produce section in your grocery store. So make it a fun game to find things free from plastic!

5. Bring eco-friendly bags and containers to store your purchases. Eco bags and storage are a weakness of mine. I love buying bags, or cute minimalist storage containers. I'll admit it brings me so much joy to find a new storage container. The rush of finding something that I know will last longer, and can compost when its life cycle is complete makes me happy. When I have purchased cotton bags for my produce, I know that it will get dirty and wear out over time. However, it's about getting back to the natural textures that we so desperately crave in our sterile, plastic-filled lives. I am able to wash these bags quickly and they are as good as new! Plastic has made it all too easy to use and then discard. I want to get away from that. If you need grocery bags to take out all your purchases I have these lovely cotton net bags from @goodnessme_naturalfoodmarket @now_designs. They come in so many pretty colours! I always get compliments on them! These bags are used with intention, and many people like that a lot. So I love to share it with others.

6. If bags are not your thing...Sometimes I won't bother to use a bag for my veggies and fruits unless I have a lot of them and can't carry them of course. Most times they will happily sit in the cart while I shop. So don't be shy to just opt out of plastic bags altogether. Just don’t forget to properly clean your produce when you return home.

These are some simple ways to start going toward an eco friendly by ditching the plastic while shopping! Stay tuned for more blogs about my eco kitchen transition. How do you go eco in your house? I plan on getting the whole house on a proper reduced waste system! So if you have any tips let me know!

Stay tuned for how to properly store your food when you get home!