17 Tools You Need for a Waste-Free Kitchen
Since social distancing began, we've all been looking for ways to make fewer grocery store trips while maximizing the use of all of our dry goods and produce. Goingwaste-freeat home is a big step that requires more time and care, but the investment will benefit you and your family tenfold. While recycling your water bottles and plastic single-use items is great, what's even better is not needing them in the first place. Plastic bags, plastic wrap, and now hard-to-find paper products are big contributors to excess waste, and there are greateco-friendly replacementsavailable. Tired of the herbs and produce you buy going bad before you have time to use them up? There's a solution for that. Want to make chicken stock but don't know how to store it? There's a solution for that, too.
Taking a few small steps towards a waste-free kitchen makes a big difference over time, to both the environment and your wallet. We've gathered plenty of items to get you going in the right direction, from glass storage containers and water pitchers to herb keepers and a compost bin. Read on for some of our favorites.
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Produce Bags
For both grocery shopping and storage, it's important to have reusable produce bags on hand at home. Bring a set of mesh bags to avoid using plastic for picking up produce at the store. Use veggie-saving bags to keep your leafy greens and carrots fresh for longer in the fridge.
To buy:$12 atamazon.com
Bee's Wrap
We've touted Bee's Wrap often, and we love it for storing everything from our sandwiches for lunch to cheese and snacks. This waxy paper will keep things fresh with an antimicrobial and anti-fungal beeswax coating.
Bee's Wrap Set of 3, $18 atamazon.com
Silicone Storage Bags
Another essential to have on hand for everything from food storage to sous-viding, Stasher bags are reusable and dishwasher safe.
Stasher Bags, from $12 atamazon.com
Skoy Cloth
Thisreusable cloth style现在风靡一时,和15 times the absorption power of regular paper towels they're a great replacement to keep in the kitchen. They're dishwasher and washer/dryer safe, and you can even pop them in the microwave for a minute to disinfect. The cloth is compostable and will last 50 wash cycles. Not bad for a $6 investment!
Skoy Cloth, $15 atamazon.com
Food Huggers
Only need half an onion or half an avocado? Never fret a wasted tomato or lemon again, these food huggers will protect your produce from deterioration in the fridge.
Food Huggers full set, $20 atamazon.com
Reusable K Cups
Looking to ditch the K-cups but still love the convenience of your Keurig? Use your own coffee grounds with the k-cup reusable filter. Another waste-free habit, under your belt.
Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Filter, $15 atamazon.com
Glass Storage Containers
Whether you need to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer or keep containers on the counter in full display, glass storage is a great option. These Pyrex sets will last for years, and all these dishes are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. (The acacia set lids are hand wash only, naturally.)
Pyrex 20pc Glass Freshlock Food Storage Set, $40 atamazon.com
Oil Spray Bottle
We've written about Misto before; it lets you avoid cooking sprays and the waste from throwing away each canister. Add your cooking oil of choice and simply pump the lid for a perfect spritz on the pot or pan, or foods you're hoping to brown in the oven.
Misto Glass Olive Oil Sprayer, $15 atamazon.com
Compost Bin
This small, dishwasher-safe compost bin is perfect for organic waste. Add all your banana peels and food scraps to make great fertilizer for your outdoor plants or garden.
Bamboozle Compost Bin, $40 atamazon.com
SodaStream
If you find yourself going through your bottled or canned seltzers and sodas lightning-fast and want to both reduce waste and extra grocery trips, the Sodastream is a great solution. Use the carbonated water for cocktails, seltzers, or infused drinks.
SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker, $150 atamazon.com
Souper Cubes
Use up your chicken bones and vegetable trimmings to make vegetable or chicken stock, then freeze it using these Souper Cubes. Use them for everything from sauces to smoothie ingredients in exact two-cup measurements.
Souper Cubes, $20 atwilliams-sonoma.com
Dishcloths
This is a given, but for how often we're cooking now, it never hurts to have a large stock of dish cloths on hand.
Market Dishcloths, Set of 4, $14 atanthropologie.com
Mason Jars
Glass mason jars are the ultimate reusable container, for everything from iced coffee to overnight oats or even a quinoa salad. Make homemade pickles that will last for weeks, or your own preserves for toast and desserts.
Ball 16oz 12pk Glass Mason Jars, $20 atamazon.com
Vacuum Sealer
If you're finding that you have to buy chicken breasts or meat in bulk, a vacuum sealer is a great way to refrigerate or freeze individual portions. It's also great for sous-vide cooking, or freezing seasonal fruits.
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer, $70 atamazon.com
Herb and Produce Savers
Protect fresh herbs with an herb keeper that will extend the life of your rosemary, thyme, mint, and more. Always sad to see your fresh strawberries deteriorate? The Freshworks containers solve that by mediating moisture to prevent browning.
OXO Greensaver Herb Keeper, $15 atamazon.com
Rubbermaid Freshworks Storage Container, $17 atamazon.com
Brita Pitcher
如果你家的自来水n't viable, a filtered pitcher is an essential part of a waste-free kitchen. Avoid the plastic bottles, beloved.
Brita 10-Cup Pitcher, $35 atamazon.com
Reusable Straws
For iced coffee, shakes, or smoothies, reusable straws are a great move for kids and adults alike. GIR makes a great set that's dishwashable and sturdy, and silicone won't bother your teeth like metal or glass options.
GIR 5 Pack Silicone Straws, $12 atnordstrom.com