Recycling Tips for the At-home Chef

We all have that friend or family member (or maybe this person is you!) that absolutely loves to cook. It doesn’t matter what style of dish it is, or how long the process takes; the at-home chef is eager and willing to give it a try.
But more often than not, cooking – whether experimental or just whipping up tried and true standbys – inspires messes of epic proportions in the kitchen. A lot of the products we then use to clean up those food splatters and accidental spills, even the rare case of broken glass or ceramic, are recyclable until they come into contact with food products. Then it gets harder for most recycling centers to properly break down those materials in order to reuse them. In addition to recycling all that you can, you and your culinary-minded friends could use a few neat ways we’ve found will help cut down on the waste you make while you cook!
Reusable containers
You’ve heard it before; keeping reusable containers around the kitchen can not only mean less plastic going into landfills, but also less hassle and cost for you. But eco-friendly receptacles for leftovers don’t have to end at Tupperware products. Many at-home cooks are also investing in glassware for storing their meals, and even find pieces that can be used in keeping entire dinners for more than one fresh and ready to be reheated at a later date. So go ahead, cook up a storm when the mood strikes – sustainable container options make it easier than ever for you to have fresh feasts at any time of day, and without putting further strain on the planet.
Washable cloths
Every chef’s least favorite part of cooking is the aftermath, but cleaning up is just a part of getting to make a mess while you create in the kitchen. Rather than reach for paper towels, try using some washable cloths for some of the more manageable mishaps. Paper towels are convenient for tossing in with the garbage, especially when messes consist of liquids and other more difficult to clean residues. But when your wreckage involves more dry goods, try using a cloth that you can add to your laundry basket and cut down the number of paper towels you go through; your planet and your wallet will thank you!
Clean-up sessions
Every chef is different; some prefer to clean as they go, while others would rather make their messes and worry about tidying up when the meal is finished. Whichever method you prefer when cooking at home, be sure to use resources like water and paper products sparingly. If you time your clean-up sessions to be the most effective and to consume fewer resources that may or may not be recyclable by the time you’re through with them, then you can save yourself extra effort as well as keep a sustainable pattern in your cooking routine.
Cooking can be a great communal experience, so why not get everyone on board with an eco-friendly system, too? If you’re willing to try a new recipe with off-the-wall ingredients, then using a few of these tips to make your kitchen a greener environment should be like cracking an egg. Stay tuned to our blog for more!