*Blog Example- Green Living*

*THIS CONTENT HAS NOW BEEN PURCHASED AND WILL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER COMPANY OR INTENT*

 5 Ways To Convert Your Kitchen Into A Plastic-Free Zone

The use of plastic has been the most heated topic in everyone's conversations, whether they're eco-conscious or not. Viral pictures and videos of plastic items being found in the most unsettling places are hard to forget. As you take steps toward making your apartment into a more eco-friendly environment, it can be easy to forget that the kitchen is guilty of storing the most plastic than any other room. From trash bags to pre-packaged food items, the kitchen itself is a plastic-consuming area. But don't worry, here are 5 ways you can cut down on your plastic use and reduce your environmental footprint:

Buy Reusable Straws

Plastic straws are some of the most overlooked everyday products we use. Going straw-free is a great option to reduce the use of plastic, but if you want to enjoy your freshly-made smoothie with a straw try switching to bamboo or recycled stainless-steel. They last for years and add a stylish touch to your kitchen's cutlery drawer.

Try Re-Creating Your Favorite Pre-Packaged Foods

Some dips and spreads are too hard to live without, yet are notoriously found in plastic containers. Take this opportunity to create your own versions of your favorite guacamole, hummus, yogurt, and anything else that usually comes pre-packaged. Store your new creation in a glass container and keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness. Here are some ways to find eco-friendly ingredients, and don't forget to conserve energy while cooking.

Leave Plastic Trash Bags Out Of The Picture

You may be trying to reduce the amount of waste you produce altogether, but where you store this waste is just as important. Instead of buying those flower-smelling plastic trash bags, try to use old newspapers to line your trash bin or any paper bags you may have used. To reduce how quick they become soiled make sure to dump out any liquids down the drain before placing them in the trash.

Opt For Bar Soap To Clean The Dishes

Dish detergent, like other cleaners, are some of the few items that always seem to come in a plastic bottle. Switching over to bar soap to clean up your dirty plates is a great way to reduce the use of plastic. Just lather up your sponge with a fruity-smelling bar and it should clean up the dishes just as well as a detergent. However, if you insist on using detergent, you might be able to find cleaners stored in recycled-cardboard bottles at your local farmers' market. Making your own cleaners and storing them in glass containers is also a genius option.

Have Fun With What You Do Use

Let's be honest, sometimes it's difficult to find a cereal that isn't pre-packaged in plastic or milk gallons that don't have plastic caps. When you absolutely cannot avoid these small purchases, be creative and find another use for them! Create makeshift
sandwich bags, some playful fridge magnets, and really anything else you can think of. As long as you reuse the plastic you do end up buying, you're still doing your part in living green.

Plastic has become one of the biggest issues on our planet and it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, unfortunately. However, your small decisions to live an eco-friendly life makes a big difference, inside your apartment and out! For more tips on how to live a greener life contact us and we'll be happy to help! Until then, check out our blog for everyday ideas on how to reduce your environmental footprint.