how to make a zero-waste indian kitchen & why we need it!

Have a look in your kitchen and see if you can find these items, 

• Plastic bottles

• Plastic containers and boxes

• Paper clothes for cleaning

• A garbage bin that is always full at the end of the day

If you have these items, then todays’ blog will help you in finding the best sustainable alternatives. However, if you don’t have any of these items and are already on a sustainable journey, you will get further inspiration for a zero waste journey. However, before we begin with some beautiful eco-friendly alternatives for the kitchen, let’s understand the need to go zero-waste. 

why is going zero-waste important?

Solid waste management has become a huge problem with an increasing amount of waste. India generates 62 million tonnes of waste each year, out of which 43 million tonnes are collected. Out of the 43 million tonnes, 12 million tonnes are treated and the rest is dumped into landfills. With changing consumption patterns and further economic growth solid waste generation is expected to grow to 165 million tonnes in 2030. 

The main issues with increasing waste in landfills are toxins, leachate & greenhouse gases. 

• Toxins - Many materials that are dumped into the landfills end up releasing toxins that are harmful to health. These are further absorbed by the soil and passed on to the groundwater. Electronic waste releases substances like mercury, arsenic, cadmium, PVC, acids, and lead. These are collectively harmful to soil, air, and water.

• Leachate - When the waste in the landfill breaks down and water filters through it, leachate is formed. Recently, an issue of leachate discharge contaminating the groundwater was identified in Aravalli, Gurugram. The samples tested from the site included high levels of heavy metals like chromium, nickel & mercury. 

• Greenhouse gases -  The organic waste in the landfill results in greenhouse gases. When bacteria break down the organic waste, it releases gases like methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, sulphides, hydrogen, and various other gases. To reduce this, one can make sure to put organic waste to better use and reduce it to the extent possible. 

Having known about the harms that are caused by excessive waste, it’s time to understand what we can do to help. Reducing waste is one of the first things we can do to save the planet from this disaster. Secondly, putting the waste in a proper place will be extremely helpful. You can learn more about home waste segregation here. 

practically implementable zero waste kitchen tips

We understand the confusion that you might come across when you hear about zero-waste living. That’s why we have some simple things that you can start with. Make 1 change every week and in a few months, your kitchen will give you eco vibes like never before. Let’s begin.

• Sip from a healthy bottle - Using a plastic bottle is not only harmful to the planet but also harmful to your health. On coming in contact with heat, it releases toxic chemicals that mix with water. Instead of putting your own health and environment at stake, switch to sustainable options. Clay bottles, copper bottles, or glass bottles can be used instead of plastic ones. 

• Glass and steel containers - The plastic containers in your kitchen will eventually end up in the garbage bin. Or some particles will end up in your stomach through the foods you store in them. Glass and steel containers can withstand all temperatures and keeps the food much fresher compared to plastic containers. 

• Shop green & store green - Whenever you go grocery shopping, keep a cloth bag with you all the time. Avoid picking the plastic bags from your vendor. Almost every Indian household has that corner where tons of plastic bags are collected. It’s time we understand that the collection is not a treasure but a threat. Also, use cotton fabric bags to store your fruits and veggies in the fridge instead of plastic bags. 

• Reusable Cleaning clothes - Kitchen means cleanliness. Make sure that you don’t pollute the planet while cleaning your kitchen. Instead of using paper napkins and disposable cleaning towels, you can use reusable bamboo wipes. Using cloth for cleaning is even a better option. The old or torn clothes that you might not be wearing can be a great product for cleaning your kitchen. You can wash the cloth and re-use it again multiple times.  

• Compost & Bio-enzyme - With all the organic waste, you can start the habit of composting. Here’s all you need to know about composting. With the citrus peels that you gather, make bio-enzyme to clean the kitchen. This way, you will get rid of the waste generated from bottles of chemical cleaners. 

need a little help with the zero-waste journey?

Your zero-waste journey is significant to us and that is why we want to help you with it. To help you get started, we have some wonderful DIYs, insights, and deeper understandings on our platform, awenest. To implement the things you learn we have a store curated specially for you to execute your sustainable journey. To be a part of the community, click here and get to know about some exciting offers and new learnings. 

Source - Statistics 

Author-

brinda shah is a freelance content writer. she is a ca turned into a writer who loves to read, write & meditate. you can connect with her on linkedin and on instagram