This guide outlines 10 ways to move towards using environmentally sustainable houseware in your kitchen.
It’s time to remodel your kitchen! As you go about shopping for new appliances, countertops, flooring, and whatever else strikes your fancy, don’t forget that sustainability has become increasingly important in the past few years.
By making conscious choices about what you buy, you can reduce your impact on the planet and enjoy long-lasting and beautiful products that are better for you, your family, and the environment as a whole. If you are considering buying these types of products, you might want to visit, seedsprout.com.au.
Choosing sustainable kitchen houseware
Here are 10 tips on how to choose sustainable houseware for your kitchen:
Know what you want
Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Save money in the long run? Or, do you simply want trendy housewares that are Instagram-worthy? Whatever your reasons are for wanting sustainable houseware, it’s important to know what you want before you start shopping.
For example, if you’re looking for fashionable items with a low environmental impact, then Etsy is a great place to shop! On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more basic and affordable, Amazon has an extensive range of choices.
Know where you can get it
If you’re looking for sustainable kitchen houseware you should do your research. This is the most important step! Be sure to check out a company’s website and social media before making a purchase.
Try to check the materials. Avoid plastic and look for sustainable materials like bamboo, wood, or glass. Consider the carbon footprint. Where was the product made? How far did it travel to get to you? The smaller the carbon footprint, the better.
Look for certified products. If a product has certification from an organization like Fair Trade USA or the Forest Stewardship Council, you can be sure it meets certain standards for sustainability.
Comparison shop
Shop at stores that specialize in sustainable kitchen houseware. These stores are more likely to have a higher percentage of products that are eco-friendly and/or fair trade. Check the labels! Many sustainable housewares will be certified by an external organization. Some common certifications to look for include Fair Trade, Organic, and recycled content.
Ask questions! If you’re unsure about a product, most store employees will be able to tell you more about where it came from and how it was made. You can also look up the company online or give them a call. Consider your needs. before you buy anything, think about what you really need and how often you’ll use it.
Buy used
One of the best ways to be sustainable in your kitchen houseware is to buy used ones. Whether it’s shopping at a local thrift store, antique store, or even garage sales, you can find great pieces without supporting new production.
When buying used, inspect the piece thoroughly for any cracks or chips that might make it less durable and long-lasting. You’ll also want to make sure it’s clean before using it in your kitchen.
Donate old kitchen houseware
Before you shop for new houseware, do a quick sweep of your current kitchen items. Anything that’s still usable but you’re no longer in love with it, consider donating it or gifting it to a friend or family member. Once you’ve cleared out the old, it’s time to start shopping for sustainable kitchen houseware replacements!
Reuse glass jars as storage containers
There are so many benefits to using glass jars as storage containers instead of single-use plastic ones! For starters, they’re infinitely reusable, so you’ll never have to feel guilty about throwing them away. Plus, they keep your food fresher for longer and look way chicer sitting on your counter or in your fridge. See our guide for How to get labels off jars and bottles in 14 easy ways.
Use hemp bags and burlap sacks in the pantry
Store bulk items like flour, sugar, and beans in glass jars or food-safe containers. This will cut down on packaging waste and make it easy to see when you’re running low. Shop your local farmer’s market, this way you’ll be supporting local growers and eating seasonally.
Invest in quality cookware that will last a lifetime. Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans are a great choice.
Recycle old cardboard boxes as storage containers
When it comes to outfitting your kitchen with sustainable kitchen houseware, recycling is always a great place to start. And what’s more recycled than something that’s already been used once?
Enter cardboard boxes. You can usually find these outside of stores or near recycling bins. But before you start stacking them in your kitchen, take a look at these seven ways to make sure they work for you and your space.
- Measure the size of the box against the size of your countertops or cabinets.
- Think about how often you use different items in the kitchen and how often you need to access them when looking through your cabinets.
- Look for patterns when choosing products and items that match should go together!
- Look for openable containers like tins, glass jars, etc., so as not to get frustrated every time you need to reach into one container but there’s another lid hiding inside another container.
- Label each box according to its contents so that when cooking up a storm and needing ingredients from all over the house, everything will be easy to find!
Explore recycling options
One way to find sustainable kitchen houseware is to explore recycling options at your local waste stations and dumpsites. You can often find glass, metal, and plastic containers that can be reused for food storage or other purposes. Plus, by using recycled materials, you’re helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Buy products made from recycled materials
One way to make your kitchen more sustainable is by outfitting it with houseware made from recycled materials.
This could include anything from eco-friendly countertops made of recycled glass to funky recycled-plastic cutting boards. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you’ll also get to enjoy unique, one-of-a-kind pieces in your home.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing sustainable kitchen houseware. However, the most important thing is to be aware of the impact that your choices have on the environment. With a little bit of research, you can easily find eco-friendly options that will help you reduce your carbon footprint.
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