5 Easy Ways to Cut the Use of Plastic in the Kitchen

Even if we use plastic in our kitchen multiple times, it eventually — and typically quickly — ends up in the garbage. Here are a few simple substitutions you can make. Some of them are more expensive than, instance, a roll of plastic wrap, but they will last a long time and eventually show to be cost effective.

Consider how many goods you buy — wraps, containers, serving ware, and so on — that have the distinct advantage of being disposable. You're buying a lot of items to toss away. Use some of these techniques and tricks to cut down on non-food waste and save money in the kitchen.

Food storage can be a large source of waste in the kitchen, whether you're packing up leftovers after a big meal, putting together some on-the-go snacks, or storing away food in the freezer.

Instead, try these tactics.

Make the most of “freebies” by repurposing them.

“Every loaf of sliced bread comes with a free bag,” my grandma used to say. Instead of buying boxes of plastic bags, she would rinse her bread bags, turn them inside out to dry, and reuse them numerous times. Similarly, whatever container you receive — a yoghurt pot, take-out dish, tub, or tray — can be used and reused for food storage in the fridge and freezer.

Sealable bags should be reused or avoided.

If you do use sealable bags, make sure you reuse them. The bag that was used to hold the leftover salad mix can be cleaned, dried inside out, and reused. If you do it only once for each bag, you will have cut your landfill contribution in half and received the equivalent of a 50% discount on your baggies box. Use a fabric sandwich wrap like these or these instead of storing odds and ends or toting lunch things in a plastic sealable bag.

Wrappers that can be reused

A rising range of flexible, reusable wrappers are being developed to replace foil or plastic. These wrappers, such as beeswax-coated cotton, can be wrapped over items to keep them fresh or adhere to the shape of a bowl to cover it snugly. The wrappers can be cleaned, dried, and reused multiple times.

Say No to Tupperware

There are numerous metal and glass options for storing leftovers or bulk items, some of which can also double as a baking pan or serving bowl. As a result, in addition to minimizing plastic, you'll be reducing clutter in your kitchen.

Plate over Bowl, Bowl over Plate

Using your dishes as covers and cloches is the simplest and most cost-effective food storage technique. Cover the contents of a bowl with a plate or saucer. Soup bowls or even mixing bowls can be used to cover anything from leftovers to the better half of a roast that needs to be protected from the fridge's dry air.

-By Mrs. Dhruti Tollawala

Science Educator