Sustainable Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Gone are the days of pretending your actions don’t matter because no one’s watching. It’s all about the small changes you make behind the scenes that can make a big difference on a global scale.

It can be one thing to say that you’re going to start living more sustainably, and another to actually put it into action! Why not start in the heart of your home? Here’s a list of five simple ways you can make life in your kitchen more sustainable. 

1. Learn how to store your food properly so it lasts longer.
Feel like you just bought those fruits or vegetables and they’re already no good? It's time to reflect on your food storage habits! Storing foods properly can help extend the longevity of foods in both your pantry and refrigerator, which is important to help keep your food at its best quality and minimise bacteria. Keep this in mind when storing fruits and vegetables:

• Mushrooms should be stored in the fridge in a glass container
• Avocados should be stored out until ripe and then refrigerated
• Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark drawer or cupboard, and should be stored separately from onions
• Bananas should be stored away from other fruits and bought when green to maximise their life 

2. Compost your food scraps, or better yet, repurpose your food waste.
If you didn't eat them in time, a lot of the staple foods in our pantry or refrigerator can be reused. For instance, limp or wilted vegetables can be reused to make flavourful soups; stale bread can be put in the grinder to make breadcrumbs; the peels or zest of your citrus fruits can be used to improve the scents of your garbage. 

From what can't be saved, make sure that you compost your food scraps. This is a natural process where microorganisms biodegrade food waste, turning it into an earthy and nutrient-rich material that promotes healthy soil. Use it to feed your own garden, as it’s an affordable and organic alternative to purchased fertiliser!



3. Make your own natural cleaning products.
It's time to DIY! Switching to homemade cleaners might sound like more work, but it's worth it if you want to get rid of harsh chemicals and improve the air quality of your home. Some natural cleaning ingredients that you could utilise include white vinegar, baking soda, citrus peels and tea tree or lavender essential oils. 



4. Support both local grocers and brands that have a sustainable impact on food produce.
One of our favourite brands, Australian Organic Food Co, are tracking their impact from the ground up with every product they make. They partner with and support organic farmers to grow, harvest, peel, chop and create 100% organic food. What’s most impressive is that they use the ‘imperfect’ produce from the organic farmers that would otherwise have gone to waste. Purchasing this produce provides farmers with an additional revenue stream and saves a large portion of their produce from ending up in landfill.

Check out their mission to create a more sustainable planet here. 



5. Go one step further and grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs. 
You don’t have to be a pro, all you have to be is proactive! Home organic gardening helps to reduce mass agricultural production, which is responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. It can also make you feel super accomplished - there's no better feeling than eating your own homegrown fruit & veg! 



We love hearing from you, and would love even more to hear your own tips on how to live more sustainably. Hit the 'Contact Us' button in the Quick Links below and let us know. 

Aus Pantry Team x