Epic solutions to reduce your waste (kitchen)

ChampagneYogi

The conversation of reducing your carbon footprint is a hot topic at the moment. Most of you who know me or have been following me know I am a conscious consumer and I don’t like waste. I also try  not to purchase or use plastic and I try to limit my waste as much as possible.

This post is to inspire you to take a look at your own way of living and see if you can find ways to minimize your own waste. Because there are so many great tips I’m turning this post into a series. Be sure to check back next week to learn more.

I grew up spending most of my childhood in the British countryside and Mother Nature has been a passion of mine every since. I want my children to grow up seeing the same beauty I experienced in my childhood.

You’ve heard me talk about the powerful health benefits of spending quality time outdoors, but at the increasing rate of our waste and toxic load entering into the environment this may not be the case. So I am encouraging you to become more aware of your own habits and try a few of the suggestions below to live a little more consciously. It all starts with you and making these small shifts, I promise you, you WILL make a massive difference.

 

“The future is dependent on what you do today!”

Here are some suggestions…

For The Kitchen:

  • Never buy plastic bottled water! Get a water filter for your kitchen tap and use a reusable stainless steel or glass water bottle. It is SO much better for your hormones AND the environment.
  • If you go out for coffee, please take your own reusable insulated cup for take outs, and ask for a real mug if you are sitting in the cafe.
  • Store your food in glass containers or stainless steel containers NOT plastic. Plastic wreaks havoc on your hormones and seeps into your food, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. And NEVER put plastic in the microwave (if you have one).
  • Stop using plastic wrap or foil for leftovers or packed lunches and use beeswax wrappers, silicone packaging or eco stainless steel or glass containers.
  • Reuse all your glass jars for bulk food storage. Take them with you to the supermarket (most health food supermarkets have a fantastic bulk section) and remember to take your own shopping bags.
  • Make your own cleaning products using non toxic ingredients. It’s incredibly cost effective and better for your health and the environment.
  • Use compostable sponges for washing dishes.
  • Use a compost bin for any food scraps. Buy compostable bags for ease, or better yet empty the food scraps directly into your compost can each night.
  • Buy recycled paper towels and napkins if you use them, or washable napkins.
  • Make your own dishwashing soap and reuse the bottle you already have. If your local supermarket has a bulk section take it with you and refill it there.
  • Use washable bamboo, stainless steel or glass straws (never plastic).
  • Say no to plastic silverware in your take out meals, encourage the restaurant to carry biodegradable options.
  • Limit your packaged food purchases to minimize the plastic packaging.
  • Store your food correctly so it lasts longer and you never have to throw anything out. Keep any  nuts/seeds in the fridge to increase their shelf life, and wrap a damp cloth around any greens to keep them fresh. Tip: Keep fresh cilantro in a little water in the fridge and it will last!!
  • Just like you pack your child’s lunch, pack your own too. Your wallet will thank you, as will your health and the environment
  • Eat your 5 a day –– 5 servings of Fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Once you’ve hit 5, aim for 10  or more. Reduce your meat consumption and make sure it’s organic, grass fed and free from hormones, pesticides and any other nasty chemicals.
  • Always run a full dishwasher — don’t put it on for just a couple things.
  • Take part in a community p-patch to grow your own food. Start with potted herbs or a hanging tomato basket.

If you’ve been inspired to reduce your carbon foot print let me know and be sure to share it with a friend! Your small changes can motivate someone else to make a positive shift in their life. Together we can keep our environment safe for our children to enjoy for many years to come. I’d love you to pin it on Pinterest or share it on Facebook. Post on Instagram. (tag me @achampagneyogi, #achampagneyogi I can’t wait to hear your thoughts)!

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XO

Amanda