6 things I no longer use in my kitchen
Tips & Tricks to Save Time & Money
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Hello Friends,
I hope you are all doing well! Happy December to all. It is hard to believe that it has already been a year since I started the Nourish Newsletter. I am so happy that I was able to turn this idea into a reality, and I am proud of myself for making it through the first year. I am also grateful to all of you who have been following along.
It has been a long journey to get here, and I have been sharing wellness information for the past eight years online and in person. I am thrilled to have found a home for my newsletter here on Substack, and I am grateful for your support. As we approach the end of the year, I would like to encourage you to share the Nourish Newsletter with your friends, family, and community. I have some exciting news to share, so stay tuned for that coming soon!
In this edition, I wanted to share with you the specific products that I no longer purchase. By cutting back on these products, I have improved my carbon footprint and saved money.
The products that I no longer use include foil, plastic containers, zip lock bags, small trash bags, brillo, and cleaning products.
I stopped using foil almost a decade ago and now I only use parchment paper. I have replaced all but two plastic containers with glass jars, and I no longer buy zip-lock bags. Instead, I reuse the ones that I have and recycle items like oatmeal bags or produce bags. I also reuse my produce bags such as potato bags or apple or fruit bags they make excellent small trash bags.
Did you know? Plastic has become one of the biggest polluters.
We can do something about it we can reuse what we have or try to use less plastic if it is not needed. I no longer use brillo. I use a hand-stitched sponge called KIND Plant Based Scrubber or a 99-cent store brand sponge, which surprisingly works better than the brand name ones.
For cleaning products, make your own cleaning products using white distilled vinegar and baking soda. You have an easy cleaning product. Hydrogen peroxide works well too and helps keep whites clean. I suggest getting a reusable bottle or recycled one you might already be using.
I no longer buy swiffer pads. I use an old washcloth instead, which saves me time and money. (If you are looking for some simple homemade cleaning recipes, I have some links below.) Although there are some great products out there like Mrs. Meyer’s and Seventh Generation, these products don’t contain any harsh chemicals and are made with all-natural ingredients.
Lastly, I have recently started composting on a daily basis. We keep all kitchen scraps, and my husband recycles potatoes and carrot skins in a fun and creative way. He seasons them, pops them into the oven, and lets them get nice and crispy, making for a fun and tasty snack. (I will share his: “No Recipe Needed” How to Make Crispy Potato Skins. Stay Tuned!) I also collect other food scraps freeze them and use them to make a big pot of veggie stock. Using up your food scraps does help in big ways.
Did you know? Composting is a great way to eliminate food waste. Always remember to eat smart and waste less, plan, prep, and store, and learn how to compost and use what you have! (see highlighted link above on how to compost.)
I implemented these changes to save time but I also was amazed that I generally used less and produced less garbage. I used to take out the trash every day sometimes every other day.
Although these habits are personal to me and my lifestyle, I am sure there are some valuable tips for everyone, especially since the cost of certain things has become so expensive in the past few years. It is always good to periodically take inventory of the stuff you already buy and ask yourself: Can I make this myself or can I live without it?
Also, consider other products you are using and ask yourself if can they be replaced and if they are safe for the environment as well.
I saved at least 300 dollars for the year!
I hope these six habits/tips were useful in some way.
NO RECIPE NEEDED
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Important Links Worth Sharing
Here are some additional resources or links for you if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this article. I hope these articles can help to further educate and empower you to make positive changes.
The Price of Food: What’s Making Food So Expensive & What You Can Do About It
Homemade Cleaners You Can Make with Ingredients from Your Pantry
10 All-Natural, Homemade Cleaning Solutions to Scrub Every Inch of Your Home
I felt inspired, this week made Oatmeal Ginger Cookies for my friend. I wanted to recreate that recipe for the holiday season. My next Holiday Special Edition of “Other Joys and Tidbits” will feature a Frosted Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookie Recipe.
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Until we meet again,
Thanks so much for supporting my work,
Sending you my hugs and love,
Sam
BE HAPPY, BE HEALTHY, BE YOU!
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips. I look forward to trying out some of these tips myself.