BY ANNA DORL
We’re finally in the middle of the “-ber” months, which means ‘tis finally the season to start thinking about holiday parties, guests, and celebrations. Searching for sustainable choices shouldn’t be an impossible undertaking, especially when it comes to finding alternatives to items we repeatedly purchase in our homes. It all really adds up over time — like plastic drinkware taking decades to decompose after a cocktail party, or used styrofoam and paper plates taking up more unnecessary space in our landfills. Here are five suggestions for eco- conscious kitchen choices to get you through the holidays.
EcoCoconut Kitchen Cleaning Brush
Repurchasing brushes for cleaning around the house is a never-ending necessity. Many consumers are used to buying regular sponges and scrub brushes, which often just get tossed in the trash for a life in a landfill after they’ve served their purpose. Instead, check out the EcoCoconut Kitchen Cleaning Brush — a tough and biodegradable option to get you through loads of dishes or to help you tidy up the bathroom before company arrives. Its bristles are constructed from dried coconut husks, which are also sustainably farmed. EcoCoconut’s handles are created using FSC accredited timber from recycled rubber trees. This brush is naturally antibacterial and is packaged and shipped free from plastic. www.ecococonut.com
HAY! Straws
If you’re hosting or attending a party this holiday season, or if you just like sustainable skinny straws, HAY! Straws have got you covered. Whether you’re looking for cocktail length (5-inch) or the tall variety (7-inch), each straw is made using the stems of the wheat plant. HAY! Straws are 100% biodegradable and compostable, plastic free, and even gluten free. The inner diameter of each straw ranges from 3.5 mm to 5 mm. Purchase a single pack, stock up on wholesale, or choose an option in between. Either way, you’re saving a plastic straw from ending up in a sea turtle’s nose. www.haystraws.com
Kitchen Gadget Set by Caraway
Cooking holiday dinner at home? Caraway’s Kitchen Gadget Set offers users a collection of five durable kitchen utensils constructed from non-toxic stainless steel. They are completely free from plastic, BPA, lead, PFAS, mercury, and phthalates. When you’re not using these tools, nestle them away in the 100% FSC-certified birch wood storage organizer that comes along with the set. The box offers a perfectly shaped slot to hold each item safely. This long- lasting set comes with a can opener, a pizza cutter, a garlic press, an ice cream scoop, and a vegetable peeler. These gadgets can make great gifts for loved ones and excellent additions to your own kitchen. www.carawayhome.com
Organic Cotton Aprons by Simple Ecology
Aprons are a staple of a lived-in kitchen — who wants to make a messy meal and have the proof of it all over them? Simple Ecology offers an eco-conscious choice when it comes to cooking: an organic cotton apron that comes in multiple different color choices. With two generous pockets in the front and adjustability features to fit chefs of all sizes, this green garment doesn’t stop there. It’s created using Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton. Even the product’s packaging is intentional towards the Earth. Reusable paper shipping envelopes are made from sustainable harvested paper and receipts come printed on “tree-free” sugar cane pulp paper. www.simpleecology.com
Silicone Baking Cups by Net Zero Company
The holiday season is constantly filled with celebrations, many of which call for cupcakes and muffins. Instead of peeling a used paper or aluminum baking cup off your treat and tossing it in the trash, here’s a simpler and more sustainable idea. These silicone baking cups from Net Zero Company are crafted with 100% food grade and BPA-free silicone. They are dishwasher safe, oven safe (up to 425o), microwavable, and plastic free. The flexible cups also come in familiar pastel colors, so you don’t even have to sacrifice nostalgia. Create lasting memories with your family in the kitchen while also creating a positive impact on our planet. www.netzerocompany.com
