The ultimate goal is to produce a zero-waste pantry which may sound impossible but there are many ways in which it may be achievable. Putting into practice current technology and incorporating tried and tested methods we can at least go a long way to achieving that goal, for more information on creating a zero-waste pantry for your kitchen.
Buy local and grow our own
With the resurgence of local butchers and fresh produce markets, it is possible to make a big difference. The food is fresh, organic, and all-around good for your health. Any of these businesses will be happy to see you with your own recycled, reusable bags, containers, or even wicker baskets.
Most people would be surprised to learn and implement the growth of our fruit and vegetables around the home, not only is it cost-effective but will allow for a zero-waste pantry. And the joy of growing your own 100% organic garden produce is extremely rewarding and something all the family can participate in.
Even if you do not have a garden set up window boxes in your apartment complex is very easily done, either buy from the local garden center or try to make your own. Visit Puratium to find out more.
Why think small when you can think big
This is an easy one, when we go to the store or market we often buy just what we feel is needed for the weekly shop but, why buy a small bag of non-perishable goods when there is often an option to buy enough for a month cutting the waste into a quarter. This method will also help to save money and help with your zero waste goals.
Planning meals ahead
It’s not something many of us do regularly enough but has big advantages and will help to reduce the waste of your pantry. A weekly meal plan will help immensely with your shopping organization and your schedule but more importantly, it will make a very big difference toward your goal of zero waste. Each time you go to the store or market you know what you need and don’t end up buying multiple items you don’t need, saving waste and our hard-earned money.
Making larger portions
Each time that we make pasta, rice, legumes, or mashed potatoes for example making more and putting the excess in the freezer or refrigerator can help hugely to reduce needless waste. The same applies to other items. If you are making bolognese, stews, or soups they will stay good for a long time and make life easier after a hard day’s work to find something quick and easy to prepare.
The benefits of bulk food stores
Bulk food stores bring shopping and saving on waste and helping us to maintain our pantries zero policy.
By using these stores you can bring your containers, mason jars, or whichever suitable and convenient container to the store, and also bulk shopping is extremely good value with much fresh produce available.
To put into perspective the waste we generate
Throughout the world, many many people go hungry daily. This does not need to be the case and it is not just in foreign lands far away, also throughout the entire world in most major communities, towns, and cities there are many people in need of a warm meal every night.
The United Nations estimate over 1 billion tonnes of food are discarded from are home and places of work each year and that number is rising. This in turn brings a colossal amount of waste packaging being discarded in landfills and the ocean where it can take hundreds if not thousands of years to degrade.
Simply by thinking about the waste and trying to reduce environmental impact we can improve and ensure a more prosperous future for generations to come. If you do have some food items that may generate waste by donating unwanted food items that you may have bought on a whim and will soon expire please donate to a local homeless shelter or food bank, this may create some waste but will still bring joy and help the community.
The task is not as big as you think
Yes attaining a zero waste pantry for your kitchen may seem a rather large task but, achievable nonetheless, by the following advice and being conscious of the choices we make in our shopping habits and our daily lives we can make a difference to the world we live in. The next time you take out the garbage take a look and think what could I have done differently to help reduce this to zero waste.