Easy zero waste swaps for the kitchen that you can make quickly and simply. The world is finally starting to understand the problem of single use items. For many years we used items for their convenience and now we are beginning to pay for that convenience with the health of our planet.
Our lives are busier than they’ve ever been and yet we know that some conveniences are not healthy, for ourselves or our planet. So what can we do or use that is still convenient but is better for us than single use conveniences.
I’ve rounded up some of my favourites.
These are all from an Australian store called Biome and I’ve chosen to link to this store for a number of reasons:
It’s Australian owned
You can shop online even if you’re not near a Biome store
ALL of their products are cruelty-free
They are a Certified B Corporation, the first retailer in Australia to achieve this. This means they hold both themselves and suppliers to high standards, and together are part of a global movement of people using business as a force for good.
Many of the products listed here are available at other retailers, and if it suits you to go into a local store and buy from them, then go for it. Do what works best for you when you’re purchasing products that work best for our environment.
So here they are: The best zero waste kitchen swaps.
SWAP SINGLE USE PLASTIC WRAPS FOR REUSABLE WRAPS
Plastic wrap was discovered in the 1940s and since then it has made its way into households the world over. Plastic wrap contributes to the larger plastic pollution crisis, it’s difficult to recycle, and it’s made from potentially harmful chemicals, especially as they break down in the environment. The Australian company GLAD created its own version of plastic wrap from polyethylene which became so popular many plastic wraps are still called GLAD wrap.
Organic plant based reusable wraps
These reusable wraps are made from cotton, two plant waxes (candelilla and non-GMO soy), tree resin and jojoba oil. No more wrapping food in plastic that you use and throwaway, saving the environment, the animals and the oceans. WRAPPA are also the ONLY reusable food wrap company in the world to have been Certified Palm Oil Free by POFCAP!
Get yours here and stop using plastic wrap.
SWAP PLASTIC STRAWS FOR STAINLESS STEEL OR BAMBOO STRAWS
Plastic straws are one of the most picked up items during beach clean ups. I’m sure we’ve all seen the disturbing photos of the turtle with a straw stuck up its nose. Plastic is not biodegradable. However, the material eventually breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics which are difficult to clean or filter from the ocean.
SWAP SINGLE USE SNAP LOCK BAGS FOR REUSABLE ZIP BAG
Zip lock bags are super handy. They can be used for more than just food, and more than just in the kitchen. When travelling internationally you often need your carry-on liquids in a clear plastic bag and zip lock bags seem to be the go-to bag to put them in. But they have the same issues as all the other single use plastics. They aren’t recyclable and they break down into micro plastics which are causing havoc to our oceans and ocean-life.
