Reducing Single-Use Plastics in the Kitchen

♻️This is Week 3 of our Plastic-Free July! And, we’re focusing on reducing single-use plastics in the kitchen. Plastic is harmful to our health, especially when it comes in contact with our food and bodies. Here are some simple swaps to eliminate plastic from your refrigerator and pantry:

🛒Choose Plastic-Free Packaging: When grocery shopping, opt for products in glass jars, cardboard boxes, or bulk bins. Use reusable bags for produce like lettuce and other greens.
🍱Switch to Reusable Food Storage: Replace plastic containers with glass jars or stainless steel for leftovers and pantry staples. Freeze your own fruit in stainless steel containers for better quality and savings. Check out this guide for storing fruits and veggies.
🧊Switch Ice Cube Trays: Replace plastic ice cube trays with stainless steel for crisper, better-tasting ice cubes.
🌰Make Your Own Nut Milk: Avoid plastic-lined containers by making your own nut milk. Try The Minimalist Baker’s almond milk recipe.

‼️ Call to Action:
* Tell a friend about a new product you’re trying and if you liked it!
* We were happy that the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) bill passed the Senate (!), but unfortunately it was not brought up for a vote in the assembly this session. Contact Speaker Carl Heastie and your state assembly member about the PRRIA bill [Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, bill #  A.5322-D] and tell them you’d really like to see it pass in the next session.
* Contact your council member about Int 0035-2024, a bill to prohibit the sale of laundry and dishwasher pods and laundry sheets which deposit microplastics into our water supply.