Recently, there has been an even stronger push than ever to go green. There are many ways to go eco-friendly and one of the easiest ways is right in your own home. Many people like to bake and cook at home to save money. Not to mention, some do it as a business and as a hobby. By making simple and easy changes to reusable bakeware and baking supplies, any cooking enthusiast can make and bake the eco-friendly way.
Believe it or not, there are so many different ways to go eco-friendly in the kitchen. That’s what we’re going to be talking about today. From silicone alternatives to tricks and hacks you’ve never thought of before. So, here are the 10 things you can do for responsible and sustainable baking.
1. Bake from Scratch
Not going to lie, baking from scratch is not only an easy way to go eco-friendly in the kitchen, it’s so much better for you. Baking from scratch eliminates unnecessary waste, lets you control what goes in your food, and taste so much better.
Making and baking from scratch gives you so much more control over your food. And I know, it’s so convenient to use a boxed mix for almost anything. But, once you start cooking from scratch, it’ll become so much easier.
2. Cook Vegan
You know, you don’t have to be vegan to cook vegan occasionally. Being vegan or vegetarian has definitely gained traction in recent years as being the most responsible and sustainable dietary decision. I’m not going to lie, while I’m not vegan, making and baking vegan recipes is so easy and eco-friendly.
It’s so easy to find vegan recipes thanks to Pinterest and the many food blogs out there. Even egg or dairy-free recipes will help reduce your carbon footprint by a lot!
3. Be Mindful
Did you know that the average sink uses 4 gallons of water every two minutes?
That’s a lot. This tip is probably the most affordable hack on this list. You know? Because not only is it a FREE way to make and bake in the kitchen, it also saves you so much money. Here’s how to do it.
You can probably already guessed that this hack to go eco-friendly in the kitchen involves the sink, but it also involves the oven.
When using the sink, whether you’re washing dishes or measuring water for recipes, be mindful about how much water you’re using. Only run the water while you’re using it and not just running when you’re away. Also, consciously try to not measure out too much water and have to dump it.
Another way to be responsible and sustainable in the kitchen, don’t heat up your oven too early. Calculate how long it’ll take to heat up and plan accordingly. Letting an oven just sit there all warmed up and not being used it so wasteful. I know, I’m guilty of that myself. I’m definitely talking to myself with this one.
4. Ditch Disposables
Let’s be real. There’s nothing more wasteful and harmful to the environment than disposable anything. The best and easiest way to ditch disposables is silicone.
Yes, silicone.
There are so many different types of silicone products for making and baking in an eco-friendly kitchen. It’s almost impossible to not find something you love. From baking sheets to baking molds, you can find almost any baking supply with a silicone alternative.
Some of the most popular switches to make for an eco-friendly kitchen are:
- Parchment paper for silicone baking sheets
- Paper cupcake liners for reusable silicone ones
- Plastic molds for silicone baking molds
- Toxic nonstick pans for silicone nonstick baking pans
Silicone is so versatile and so much better for the environment and for YOU too. Silicone isn’t plastic, but rather more of a rubber. Food grade silicones are BPA, BPS, and phthalate free.
5. Opt for Unbleached
If silicone isn’t your thing or you’re not quite ready to make the leap, there is still a way for you to make and bake the eco-friendly way. Instead of silicone baking mats or cupcake liners, you can opt for unbleached ones. They’re not as eco-friendly as silicone ones, but unbleached parchment paper and liners are still better than the alternative.
6. Kick Aluminum Foil to the Curb
I know what you’re thinking. How can I completely get rid of aluminum foil? My food will burn!
Two words: silicone lids.
I still know what you’re thinking: Cam, you already did a section about replacing stuff with silicone. Yeah, I know, but that’s how versatile silicone is. Especially with this silicone lid that is oven safe. It comes in many different colors and different sizes to fit any pan and any color scheme. This lid can resist heat up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and is the best alternative to aluminum foil for an eco-friendly kitchen.
7. Upgrade to Quality
Honestly, quality trumps quantity in almost every category, every time. This is no different when it comes to making and baking the eco-friendly way. While it can be more of an investment up front, buying quality enamel bake and cooking ware is the way to go. Traditional nonstick pans have toxic chemicals in them like perfluorooctanoic acid. While many companies are moving away from it, it can still be found. This is dangerous with cookwares because heat can cause it to leak into food.
That’s why it’s healthier to use enamel or silicone pans and molds. If you’re anything like me, cast iron might be your holy grail. Cast iron is good for so many things and enamel covered cast iron is a great eco-friendly kitchen addition for your cooking arsenal.
8. Use Beeswax Wrap
We already talked about getting rid of aluminum foil and this applies to plastic wraps too. The easiest way to get rid of these harmful products is with beeswax wraps.
Beeswax wraps are oil or wax lined cotton wraps that can be used to wrap or cover food with. They’re natural and reusable. They are an important staple in an eco-friendly kitchen that can be easily washed in cold water with mild soap.
9. Bamboo and Wood Cutting Boards are #lifesaving
It’s a fact. If you’re going to be making and baking in the kitchen, you’re gonna need a cutting board. Now, there are plenty of plastic or cheap cutting boards out there. The issue? They don’t last.
If you needed another reason, everyone knows that a good quality cutting board adds so much style and character to any eco-friendly kitchen.
10. Change the Game with Glass Containers
The last way on this list to have an eco-friendly kitchen is to bring in the big guns: glass containers.
Glass containers are the jack of all trades in the kitchen. Quality glass containers like Pyrex are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe, and can be stored easily in the fridge. Whether you’re storing icing, leftovers, or even fresh fruits and vegetables, glass containers are the way to make and bake your way to an eco-friendly kitchen.