TIPS TO CREATE A ZERO-WASTE KITCHEN

Zero-waste, no waste and reduced waste are all terms used to describe the process of reducing the amount of waste we create in our daily lives. At KEEPER Denim, we’re here to remind you that you don’t need to eliminate ALL the waste from your home, just aim to reduce it. We have put together a list of our top tips for you to start reducing the waste in your kitchen today:

1. FRESH PRODUCE FROM LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS

Many of the fresh fruit and vegetables that you buy at your local conventional supermarket is wrapped in plastic packaging. When you purchase your fresh produce from your local farmers market, you are buying foods that are currently in season, directly from the source. This means that there is no plastic packaging that will end up in the bin and ultimately in landfill.

2. REUSABLE BAGS AND JARS

If you don’t have a farmers’ market close to you and it’s more convenient to purchase from your local supermarket that’s ok - but don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping and produce bags. That way, you can by-pass the single-use plastic bags at the shop and use your own!

3. BUY IN BULK

There are many bulk food stores today. If you haven’t been to one before, check out The Source. They have tubs of a vast variety of many foods including dried fruit, flours, grains, and cereals which are all self-serve. So, you can either package them in the provided paper bags or bring along your own reusable produce bags.  

4. GROW A HERB GARDEN

If you regularly purchase fresh herbs from your supermarket, you’ll know that it is almost impossible to buy them without any plastic packaging. So, growing your own herbs at home is a great sustainable alternative. You can grow them in a small pot in the windowsill, outside in the backyard or in a planter box, the options are endless.

5. COMPOSTING

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic materials including food scraps and leaves, into new soil/fertiliser that you can then put onto your garden. Anything that grows naturally will eventually decompose, however the process of composting speeds this up.

6. SUSTAINABLE CLEANING PRACTICES

Conventional kitchen cleaning products include sponges, clothes and brushes which are primarily comprised of plastic. There are compostable alternatives for these products which are more sustainable and better for the planet.

7. ZERO-WASTE TEA & COFFEE

Most of the conventional tea bags and coffee pods have plastic in them which is harmful to the environment. So, when it comes to zero waste alternatives – for tea, this would include loose leaf tea and for coffee there are many compostable coffee pods available both at your local supermarket and online.

We hope you didn’t find this KEEPER Denim blog post too overwhelming. Remember you don’t need to be perfect; the goal is just to reduce your household waste where you can. You don’t need to throw out all your conventional products and replace them right away. Instead, continue using what you have until they are finished, then when you next go shopping for your kitchen cleaning supplies or food, consider the zero waste options that are readily available both at your local supermarket and online.