Introduction

With the environment changing at a breakneck pace, does zero waste will make difference? our climate is bearing the brunt of the consequences. Climate change is to blame for everything from ice melting to forests burning down, and greenhouse gas emissions exacerbate the bulk of it. Food waste is estimated to account for half of all produce thrown away in the United States, amounting to 60 million tonnes of produce worth $160 billion a year. That’s why designing a zero-waste kitchen is a smart idea. Although there is a worldwide struggle to get things under control, we, as inhabitants of the planet, should take some action and try to effect change and do our part to help the climate. Zero waste kitchen is an example of a practical step for us and has a significant impact on environmental sustainability. We may start at home, even though the issue is large-scale and will entail large-scale adjustments.

The concept of zero waste kitchen

Zero waste kitchens vary from other kitchens in that they reuse a lot of the balance product. Restaurants use unhealthy plastic storage. They don’t plan what to purchase and what quantity, while in a zero-waste food, kitchen waste can be composted, plastic containers can be replaced with glass jars, and zero waste kitchen restaurants can make a shopping list and stick to it. Zero-waste kitchens are becoming increasingly common as more restaurants and hotels make a move. Restaurants have begun to use every ingredient in the kitchen these days, which helps them keep costs down and eliminate waste.So every one should focus on zero waste kitchen.

11 easy tips for zero waste kitchen

Starting with your kitchen, here are several ways to integrate zero-waste practices into your lifestyle:

1. Hit the bulk– This is a crucial move towards zero waste kitchen and it is also the simplest way to reduce the majority of your kitchen waste. Spices, chocolate, granola, dried fruit, nuts, baking supplies, and so much more are available in bulk when it comes to dry goods. Bulk food isn’t packaged in plastic bags (but don’t be fooled by the tiny plastic baggies hanging next to the bulk canisters; that would be counterproductive!). Bring your jar or other zero-waste containers instead, fill it up, write down the product number, and check out as usual. Most major supermarket chains now have a bulk portion, which varies in size from pitiful to abundant.
2. Ditch those plastic bags for the reusable cotton bag– You know how any grocery store’s produce section is littered with plastic bags? Even the “biodegradable” ones don’t break down unless you compost them at home rather than throwing them away, and even then, it takes a long time. Plastic bags are one of the most dangerous contaminants in the ocean, and they often get entangled in marine creatures or swallowed accidentally. However, we should also try to minimise it by using cotton or jute bags instead of plastic bags at the supermarket when we leave the building. They are more environmentally friendly than plastic bags and can be used for a variety of purposes. It plays a important role in achieving zero waste kitchen.
3. Use glass food storage containers- Many plastics contain endocrine disruptors, which have a chemical structure that is very similar to the hormones found in our bodies. As a result, when these substances reach our bodies, we begin to use them like the hormones they mimic, wreaking havoc on our reproductive systems. Endocrine disruptors leech into food and beverages through plastic, especially when the plastic is subjected to a rapid temperature change, such as when a hot coffee cup is placed in a plastic to-go mug. Avoiding the purchase of plastic food containers in favour of glass and metal containers is a smart investment for your family’s wellbeing. Metal tiffin containers are excellent for lunches, and mason jars are suitable for preserving foods purchased in bulk as well as leftovers. These all changes will definitely help in getting zero waste kitchen. Compost your waste out– In order to achieve zero waste kitchen Composting is the newest, hippest way to live. Composting provides your garden with rich organic matter that can be used to grow your food. The rest of the waste we throw away in our kitchens can be composted. This means you’d be able to produce your food without the use of plastic or toxic pesticides. Simply pick vegetable peels and bury them in a pit somewhere in the garden, and you’ll have compost in a few days.
4. Stay true to your shopping-list– How many times have we all returned home from the grocery store having purchased more items than we required? This is a common scenario with all of us. As a result, food and resources are squandered painfully. Self-control is always a positive thing to learn, and sticking to the shopping list will save us both food and money and will help in achieving zero waste kitchen.
5. Home-made with love– We must realise that as much as we enjoy consuming chips and other store-bought snacks and foods, their packaging poses a danger to the environment. To minimise single-use plastic waste, try to prepare as many meals and snacks as possible at home. You can cheat and binge outside once in a while but try to eat freshly cooked food at home as it helps minimise the waste and keeps you healthy. And we will achieve the target of zero waste kitchen.
6. A big no to plastic bottles and straws- Plastic has been harmful to storing water and food by researchers. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to toss them out of your kitchen right now. Instead, use glass bottles. Copper bottles are a better choice if you want a more luxurious product. It is applicable both inside and outside the house. Since single-use plastic straws and polythene bags degrade into micro-plastic, they pollute the oceans. They pose a danger to marine mammals, and if you eat fish, you’re likely to ingest microplastics as well.
7. Reuse the leftover food- Try putting something you don’t intend to eat or drink right away in the freezer. The freezer extends the shelf life of food and is ideal for foods purchased in bulk or prepared ahead of time so that you can enjoy them for a long time. If you have a lot of vegetable scraps, consider composting or food scrap gardening as an option.
8. Go local for vocal- As previously reported, consuming locally grown food is the healthiest and most environmentally-friendly choice. Locally grown food provides more nutrients, is fresher, and contributes to biodiversity conservation in your region. It also has a smaller carbon footprint than most foods because it takes less energy to transport (due to the shorter distance travelled). If you don’t grow your produce, the easiest way to shop locally is to go to nearby farmers markets or farm stands.
9.  Organic is the new way of living- Most people choose organic to avoid pesticides commonly used in farm agriculture, but buying organic produce will also result in less waste. After all, you should eat the peel of organic produce (safely). This method produces fewer food scraps, such as peels and cores. Make sure you do your homework on the product to ensure that you can safely and healthily consume the peel.
10. Storing the right way- It’s worth noting that different foods need different storage methods. You can’t just throw anything into the fridge and hope for the best. Nuts and seeds should be kept in the refrigerator or freezer, omega-3 oils and nut and seed flours should be kept in the fridge, and meat should always be kept on the fridge’s bottom shelf to prevent contamination from leakage. As good storage will directly help in getting zero waste kitchen.

Conclusion

Do you still reach for the plastic baggies at the grocery store? Don’t be so harsh on yourself! It’s a never-ending phase that I, too, must work through, and guilt is a crippling emotion. The key is to understand the value of a zero-waste kitchen and to work toward it! And these tips will help you achieve the goal of a zero-waste kitchen. Besides kitchen waste, we can also reduce food waste in the office for our better future! Above all you should know more about waste management