The kitchen is the heart of the home, but itโs also a major contributor to plastic waste that harms both our environment and our health. Plastics like wraps and ziploc bags often contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which can leach into our food.
These single-use items often end up in landfills, where they persist for centuries, polluting our water, soil and air.
By making simple, sustainable swaps, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of eco-friendly living, protecting your familyโs health and reducing your homeโs carbon footprint. To get started, look no further than your local shops for eco- friendly alternatives.
Wrap It Up
โBeeswax wraps completely replace [plastic] wrap,โ says Laura Newton, founder of The Kind Matter Company in Oakville and Milton. Unlike plastic wrap, which traps moisture inside and produces a slimy texture on food, beeswax wraps mimic the skin of a fruit. โThey allow air in, but also allow moisture out,โ says Newton.
Beeswax wraps are reusable, compostable and durable. Christine Kempf, co-founder of Mrs. Greenway in Dundas, says that with proper maintenance, beeswax wraps can be reused around 500 times. Beeswax melts when itโs warmed, so itโs advisable to wash in cold water. โYou donโt want to wash it in hot water, and never use it on a container of hot chicken,โ Kempf says. โIt needs to cool down first before covering up.
Litterless Lunch
Ziploc baggies may make packing school snacks easy, but these single- use plastics contribute to environmental waste and possible health risks associated with plastic use. Colibri bags are reusable fabric pouches that make packing litterless lunches easy, as they can be washed and reused. Plus, they have dozens of adorable prints kids love. โAs long as you take care of it, it will replace hundreds of boxes of ziploc bags,โ says Kempf.
Food Storage
Plastic food storage containers can absorb the flavours, odours and colours of food over time, and may leach harmful chemicals into your food as they break down. Stainless steel containers are a durable, eco-friendly alternative. Although they require a higher initial investment, Newton says they ultimately cost less than having to constantly replace plastic containers. โTheyโre going to last you a lifetime,โ she says.
Stasher bags are another great eco-friendly food storage alternative. Made with 100% food-grade silicone, they come in a variety of sizes, including bowls that open wide enough to eat directly from. These reusable, leakproof and air tight containers keep food fresh longer, can be put in the freezer and even washed in the dishwasher. Plus, theyโre incredibly long lasting! โSome of my Stasher bags Iโve had for probably seven years,โ says Kempf.
Refills
Refilling dish soap and cleaning solution is a simple and effective way to eliminate plastic containers from your kitchen. You donโt need to invest in fancy glass jars right away, although they do look nice. Both Mrs. Greenway and The Kind Matter Company will refill any container, even your old Palmolive bottle. โThe most sustainable thing is the one you already have,โ says Newton. โIf you have a container that is working properly that happens to be plastic, use it until the last moment, then you can upgrade to a glass or aluminum bottle,โ she advises.
Refilling also offers cost savings, as youโre not paying for new bottles, pumps or labels. While the eco-friendly dish soaps offered at The Kind Matter Company and Mrs. Greenway may be more expensive than conventional grocery stores brands, these premium products are more concentrated, meaning you use less each time, and you can rest assured knowing youโre using a quality product. โYouโre keeping plastic out of the waste system, but youโre also keeping other chemicals out of the water and itโs better for your own health,โ says Kempf.
By making these four simple swaps, you can significantly reduce plastic in your kitchen and contribute to a healthier planet, and a healthier you!
Local Links
The Kind Matter Company
282b Kerr St, Oakville
15 Martin St #6, Milton
thekindmattercompany.com
Liquid Earth
603 Michigan Dr Unit 1, Oakville
theliquidearth.com
Mrs. Greenway
2 King Street West Unit # 3, Dundas
mrsgreenway.ca
Natureโs Emporium
2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington
210 North Service Rd W, Oakville
naturesemporium.com
