Sustainable Swaps 2020: May Challenge

Good morning + happy Monday. I’m back today to talk about Sustainable Swaps 2020, the year-long challenge we started back in January. If you’re unfamiliar, you can see previous posts here:

Last month was quite broad, with the goal of “do your best.” Everyone was still trying to wrap their head around COVID-19, as I’m sure many still are. But, now that we’ve been in this situation for 6-7 (maybe more) weeks, we’ve moved past the initial adjustment period.

Originally I had wanted to talk about some sustainable practices and swaps I use while traveling for May, with the promise of summer vacations right around the corner. And now? Well that just seems downright laughable, especially since my June fun has all been cancelled for this year.

And while it’s wildly disappointing, travel will be back and I’ll cover it later this year, but for May, the focus is reducing consumption and waste in the kitchen!! (because you’re probably spending WAY MORE TIME in there than you’re used to haha – at least I am).

The kitchen can be a hub for single use waste – think paper towels, ziploc bags, napkins, plastic wrapped dishwasher pods, plastic soap bottles, plastic water bottles, saran wrap, etc. All products you’ve used at some point in your life that may be in your kitchen now.

Luckily, there are sustainable swaps for pretty much every single product out there. Below I’ll be rounding up plenty of option for you to begin swapping in your kitchen.

If this seems overwhelming, remember that we can make these changes one by one. Maybe this week you get two Stasher bags, but then wait until the paper towel you previously purchased is gone before buying reusable cloths. Maybe you already have a water filter, and now you want to ditch saran wrap for good so you purchase reusable beeswax wrap.
To change your lifestyle and habits it takes practice and a slower approach. As I’ve said before, complete overhauls are often overwhelming and unsuccessful, so it’s best to work through manageable steps.

Sustainable Swaps for your kitchen:

Stasher Bags in place of Ziploc Bags – Stasher Bags are reusable (and non-toxic) silicone bags. I’ve mine for months and love them! They are sold all over – my local Target even has them 🙂

Or, if you prefer – use glass Pyrex containers for everything! I’ve found myself doing that when I’ve run out of Ziploc bags in the past.

Bee’s Wrap in place of SaranWrap – it is made of “OTS-certified organic cotton, sustainably sourced beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin.  This combination of ingredients creates a malleable food wrap with natural antibacterial properties that can be used again and again.”

Water filter instead of plastic water bottles. Whether it’s a Brita, built into your fridge, a Berkey, Zero Water, etc. If you’re still using plastic water bottles its time to say goodbye!

Food Huggers in place of plastic wrap/ziploc – these stretchy silicone pieces make it easy to keep fruits + veggies fresh!

Swapping paper towels and napkins for reusable dishcloths or washable + reusable bamboo towels!

Liquid soap refill packaged in cardboard instead of plastic bottles of dishsoap.

Ditching dishwasher detergent pods for a 100% plastic free option!

Websites with great sustainable product options:

Package Free Shop
Earthsider
Clean Cult
Bee’s Wrap
Zero Waste Store
Food Huggers
Stasher Bag

I’m hoping you learned something new about sustainable swaps for the kitchen today. I think the next items I’ll order are the Food Huggers and reusable cloths! I would love to hear what swaps you’ve made in your kitchen already or what swaps you would like to!
Thanks for stopping by today!
xo, Maddy