low-waste guide: kitchen | simple + sustainable swaps
written by Jasmine Irven
some words on sustainable living
Sustainable living is a lifestyle shift. It means looking at your daily actions, and the impact you’re making (positive or negative), and using that as a starting point for finding simple shifts you can make to reduce your environmental footprint and create a better future.
One of the most common areas of resistance people experience when starting to shift to a more sustainable lifestyle is overwhelm. It can be intimidating to begin this lifestyle when there are so many places to start.
You can see the infamous “mason jar photos” (where someone posts a photo of their waste for the year fitting into a mason jar) – and feel that you’ll never reach that point. This overwhelm can cause doubt + fear, and can lead to inaction due to fear of failure.
While it’s incredible that some have been able to reduce their waste so much, don’t use these people and/or these photos as a goal when first starting out. They are way too many steps ahead of you to make a comparison!
Instead, we like to encourage small, simple steps which offer the opportunity for sustainable change.
So, take it one step at a time, one room at a time, one item at a time. We’re here to help you on that journey with these themed blog posts on reducing waste one area at a time. If you haven’t already read our blog on reducing waste in the bathroom be sure to check that out as well!
simple swaps
buying supplies + food staples in bulk
Grocery shopping can create a lot of unnecessary waste. If you can begin to swap some of the packaged foods you purchase for foods purchased in bulk, you can easily begin to cut down on kitchen waste. Here are some simple tips for beginning your bulk shopping journey:
source out your local bulk stores + ensure you’re allowed to bring your own containers (check out The Sweet Potato Toronto, Zero Waste Bulk, or Bare Market if you’re in the GTA).
collect your containers – save containers from old pasta sauces, peanut butter or jam jars, etc., ideally you want glass containers but plastic will also do for some items!
if you need more jars, consider going to your local thrift shop. There’s always a ton of mason jars and other glass containers at my local Value Village. As a last resort you can purchase mason jars.
if there are labels on the jar that you want to remove, submerge the jars in the sink with a solution of hot water and dish soap for 10-30 minutes. If the label is a little tougher, try adding a little white vinegar which may help remove the glue.
if you take transit or walk to the grocery store, consider investing in some reusable bulk bags like these or these from zero waste stores or Amazon. These will make your trip a lot lighter! Then, transfer the contents to jars when you get home.
make sure your jars and/or bags are clean and dry. Places will not accept containers that are dirty for sanitary reasons and if they’re wet your food is going to stick!
always weigh your containers BEFORE you put the items in them. Otherwise you’ll be paying for the weight of the jar as well.
instead of using the little tags to write the product code down on (aka unnecessary waste), take photos of the item code and name so the cashier doesn’t have to look them up!
in terms of labeling the containers once you get home obviously the most eco-friendly solution is to not have any labels at all but if you want labels consider purchasing chalkboard stickers and a marker or a label maker.
Bulk shopping is a great way to begin a low waste journey because it is extremely visible and satisfying to begin replacing packaged foods in your cupboards. Buying in bulk is not only sustainable but it is generally cheaper!
Other benefits include being able to get only the amount you need (if you're trying out a new product or recipe), and that the bulk foods generally have less additives + preservatives than canned foods. You get to choose exactly what goes into your food.
loose leaf tea
Did you know approx. 96% of tea bags contain up to 25% plastic? this *fun* fact was something I had NO idea about until last year and was so disheartened to learn.
Polypropylene is often used to seal up the bags and help them keep their shape in hot liquid. This microplastic also means the bags cannot completely decompose - making them a bad option for the compost. These small pieces may not seem like a big deal, but like everything else they add up! In our oceans, as litter, in soil, etc.
Instead, make the switch to loose leaf tea + get your own reusable infuser. Herbs purchased in bulk are also generally less processed and therefore you will be able to experience better flavour and potency in terms of effects. To purchase the tea, bring your own container to a bulk food or herbal store! Alternatively, look for options with little packaging (my favourite local company is Foggy River Farm - their tea comes in completely compostable packaging!), or choose places that you can bring back their containers for refills (we found a great tea shop Blue Mountain Tea Company in Collingwood that allows you to do this!).
If you still want to purchase tea bags for the convenience factor, just do your research! Many companies are switching their processing to be more sustainable, it just requires extra research. If going this route, also try to choose options that don't individually package the tea bags as that's just extra unnecessary packaging!
french press for coffee & coffee beans
Another simple swap for your morning routine: your coffee ritual. Instead of stopping for a coffee on your way to work, opt to make one at home! Here’s how to make your ritual zero waste with beans purchased in bulk, and a glass french press:
purchase coffee beans in bulk + grind at home or go to a local coffee shop & purchase beans there (most places will grind them for you!)
pour water into your fave coffee mug, then pour this into the kettle (this avoids boiling more water than you need)
swish a little hot water around the base of the french press to warm it up (or boil slightly more water than you need and use this)
place 2 heaping tbsp of coffee grounds into the bottom of the french press (this is what I've deemed the perfect amount for my coffee but adjust based on your taste preferences!)
pour boiled water overtop
place lid on but don't press down
let steep for 5-10 mins (again based on taste preferences)
push handle down to strain coffee grounds
pour + enjoy
reusable coffee mug
Investing in a reusable coffee mug like this Joco is a great way to reduce waste when on the go. Creating a more sustainable lifestyle is much easier with just a little additional preparation!
I love to put this idea of preparation into action with a bag of daily low-waste essentials that you carry with you. You can keep this in your car or your bag and can fill it with whatever items you often find yourself reaching for, including a reusable mug!
On days when you don’t have time for a homemade brew, or are craving the cafe atmosphere (totally guilty), just grab your reusable cup and ask for the barista to fill your cup rather than using a disposable one.
And, if you forget your reusable mug, just ask the barista for a mug instead and enjoy your cup of coffee slowly in the cafe.
reusable water bottle
If you’re living in an area where the tap water is drinkable, or have access to filtered water, a super simple swap and way to begin your low-waste journey is with a reusable water bottle!
I love my Swell bottle, which is totally worth the investment. They keep the contents warm for 12 hours & cold for 24, are made with food-grade stainless steel that eliminates the need for single-use plastic water bottles, and are BPA free. I’ve had my Swell bottle for a couple years now and it’s showing no signs of giving up yet!!
p.s. I have the 17 oz bottle which I find is the perfect size for the gym, daily use, and travel. I personally have this gold bottle which I love but if I was to go back and purchase now with all the options they have available I would definitely grab this dusk one!
bamboo cutlery
Another great way to reduce waste while on-the-go is with a reusable cutlery set. Instead of relying on single use plastics while eating out or packing your own lunch on the road, invest in a bamboo set with a couple basic utensils and a pouch to keep them in! The bamboo utensils are heat and stain resistant, they won’t impart or absorb flavours, and are hand finished with top grade natural, food-safe wood oil.
reusable glass containers for lunches
I love to recommend bringing your own lunch to work to all of my clients. When you’re able to bring healthy foods into work you’re able to gain a little bit more control over what you’re eating, and you’re able to crowd out any unhealthy decisions (like that mid-afternoon coffee shop trip) by focusing on the foods you’re adding into your diet.
This practice is not only healthier, but also more eco-friendly! A fast-food stop every once and a while may not seem like a big deal but if you’re finding yourself eating out more often than not, this unnecessary waste can quickly add up.
Instead, grab some reusable containers and pack leftovers in them for lunch. Check out this post for 12+ healthy lunch ideas that are vegan, gluten free, and refined sugar free, or this post for 15 healthy snack ideas to always have on hand.
reusable grocery bags & produce bags
Another super simple swap: avoiding plastic bags in the grocery store by bringing your own grocery and produce bags! Keep a few in your car so you don’t forget to use them when you shop.
reusable sandwich bags
Instead of saving food in single-use plastic bags, opt for these reusable flat-lay storage bags! These are made out of food safe, FDA-grade PEVA material, and are PVC-free, lead-free & BPA-free. The bags are safe to use in the freezer and the leak-proof double-lock closure seals in freshness!
paperless paper towels
Going paperless in the kitchen is another great way to save money while being eco-friendly. There are a lot of products that our modern society has created out of convenience, but which are really not necessary!
Instead, opt for a reusable version. You can choose to purchase these from a local shop, or DIY your own. Check out this tutorial if you know how to sew, or this one if you don’t.
vegetable scrubbing brush
Anytime you can swap something you currently have a plastic version of, for a more sustainable material, you’re doing the planet a favour. Of course our first rule of sustainable living still applies: use what you have first! So, don’t just swap something for the sake of having the more sustainable option. However, if you are in the market for a new product, doing some research on the materials is a great way to be more eco-friendly.
There are a few options for effective and eco-friendly brushes for cleaning dirt off vegetables! Try looking for a wood brush, or check out these options made from mushroom and coconut.
DIY lemon and vinegar cleaner
A simple + sustainable cleaner eliminates the toxic chemicals often found in commercial products + is a great way to shift to a more sustainable lifestyle. To make your own:
collect lemon peels in a glass container until full
pour vinegar overtop and let sit in a dark area for approx. 2 weeks
when time has passed, mix equal parts vinegar and water to a glass spray bottle (bonus points for upcycling an old container into a spray bottle)
I pretty much use this cleaner for all counter tops + tables in our little apartment! You could also add rosemary sprigs or essential oils to add a unique scent.
Alternatively, make a DIY solution of water, vinegar, and essential oils like lavender and lemon. Putting 1-2 cups of water in a spray bottle with 10 drops of your favourite essential oil will do the trick, or for a more potent spray, consider using some vodka with 20-30 drops of essential oil. I would recommend using mint, lemon, and/or eucalyptus essential oil for a clean and refreshing scent.
planting your own herbs or vegetables and/or regrow vegetables
Another swap that is satisfying, can save you money, and is eco-friendly, is growing your own herbs and veggies! Planting your own garden is also a great way to spend time connecting with nature, living slowly and in the moment and appreciating this beautiful world we live in.
You don’t need a huge outdoor garden to start this process! Start with a few of your favourite herbs that you can plant inside (tutorial here), or check out this post for 10 ways you can regrow foods in only water.
If you are looking for a bigger garden, here’s a great post on how to plant a quick vegetable garden for little money.
meal planning
This is more of an abstract suggestion, but a lot of waste in the kitchen comes from unused food. An easy way to avoid this is by planning your meals in advance, so that rather than grocery shopping aimlessly you have a clear list of foods you need! By planning meals in advance, you only are purchasing and making foods that you need which avoids foods going bad before you use them. Be sure to download our simple and sustainable grocery guide which outlines our tips for meal planning, and the foods that are always on our grocery list.
saving scraps for vegetable stock
Using vegetable peelings, stalks, and leaves can be a great way to save money and avoid wasting food! This is a great guide on what foods you should consider saving, and how to use them to flavour your own vegetable stock!
compost
For foods that unfortunately go bad, or for food scraps that are unusable, compost them! If you live in an area that offers composting, great! All you need is a small bin to collect your scraps in. If not, do some research to see if there are any community gardens or farmers in your area who are willing to collect your scraps.
If you have your own garden, you can also simply use them in your own backyard as nutrients for your plants and vegetables! Here’s a simple composting 101 guide.
general tips for shifting to a more sustainable lifestyle
Use up what you have first – unless the product is extremely harmful (for example a really harsh chemical cleaner), use up the products you have before going out and purchasing newer, “better” products. If you just go through your entire house and throw out everything to switch to more sustainable products, you’re creating a lot of unnecessary waste.
When you run out of a product, then search for a more sustainable option for repurchase. This is a great way to shift to a low-waste lifestyle more gradually!
Borrow, upcycle, and repurpose when you can rather than purchasing.
Shift to digital products where you can (for example, a digital journal or calendar, e-books, etc.)
Always support local shops rather than large chains.
Opt for companies that embody values and practices you believe in.
Ask yourself if you really need the product. Embrace the minimalism mindset – even purchasing a sustainable product is more wasteful than not purchasing anything at all! Consider these prompts for helping to determine whether the product is something you truly want or need:
How often do you use the item?
If you were travelling/ downsizing/ moving would you bring it with you?
What energy will the item bring to your space? Does it bring you joy? (I know this is a little harder with products like toiletries, but even just considering the fact that bringing the item into your home will lead to more clutter, more to clean, etc., can help you determine what the energy & feeling behind the product is.)
Is this product something your future self would own?
What is the intention behind your purchase?
Will you still want the product in 1 week? 1 month? 1 year?
final thoughts
I hope these tips and swaps are suggestions you feel are tangible and achievable in your own life. Remember that everything you do, every change you make, every mindset you shift, truly makes a difference.
I often find that I get stuck in the mindset that there’s so much wrong in the world that our individual changes won’t make an impact, but then I need to remind myself that that’s simply not the case!
As individuals we have so much to offer the world. Our changes not only reflect in our own lives but extend into the community around you – friends and family might see what you’re doing and begin to ask more questions or make changes in their own lives, if enough people start shifting their lifestyle corporations will (and already are) be(ing) forced to change, and if enough corporations shift then entire systems will change.
If you’re looking for more on some of these limiting mindsets, be sure to check out this blog post on common areas of resistance you may face when moving toward a low waste lifestyle + tips for overcoming them.
What shift are you making today to live more sustainably? Share below to inspire and encourage others. 💛
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about the author
Hey there! I’m Jasmine, founder of the Sustainable Bliss Collective, a Certified Meditation Teacher, and lover of all things self-care, slow-living, and personal development.
I believe that ambition and self-care can coexist, and as such I hope to encourage and inspire you to take care of yourself, breathe deeply, connect with who you are, manifest your dreams, enjoy the blissful moments of each day, and make an impact in this beautiful world we call home.
Connect with me on Instagram here!
