Terra Talks…
Terra is going back to basics. Each week, we’ll review some simple things all of us can try in our homes to live more gently on the earth. Let’s start with Terra’s top 5 green swaps in the kitchen.
1. Kitchen Sponge- We can’t say enough good things about the Swedish synthetic sponges! Use as a dishrag, sponge or paper towel, then wash in the dishwasher and compost when it wears out!
2. Plastic Baggies- Swap for silicone or fabric food storage bags, reuse glass jars for food storage, reuse empty bread bags for baggies.
3. Paper Towels-Swap for a basket of cloth “unpaper” towels. Try washcloths, old kitchen towels, microfiber cloths, even cut-up old tee shirts! Look on-line for towels that snap together and roll up like normal paper towels! The secret in having plenty of them so you don’t run out before washday.
4. Dish/Dishwasher Soap- All of the products I’ve tried work best when applied directly to the item being washed, using minimal water. Some concentrates are mixed with water in a reusable pump bottle. Refill pouches let you refill 3-4 times and use less plastic than a new bottle each time. Look into dishwashing bars (run under water or rub your dish brush over it) and powders (sprinkle over the dish being washed). Dishwasher soap comes in tablets with no plastic wrap or coating.
5. Plastic Wrap- Swap for bee’s wax wraps and silicone lids. The wraps seal well around food and dishes and the silicone covers can go in microwave, fridge and even the oven instead of aluminum foil!