You can be more sustainable and you can make a difference in the world from your own home. Small efforts can make big improvements. These changes are budget-friendly and they don’t take a lot of time. They are efficient and they can turn your home into an eco-friendly place. Don’t know where to start? Being sustainable in the kitchen is a great way to make your home greener.

You don’t have to drastically change your way of living. By changing simple habits at home, you’re already on the right path. You will need to rethink your weekly eating habits by changing your ways of consumption when choosing what your family eats. Here are some tips for your kitchen’s sustainability improvement:

1. Plan, plan, plan

Plan what your family will eat. Then, make an accurate grocery list and take home all you need. This is a great starting point and will save you a lot of time. Make a menu plan and stick to your list. Be sure to buy what you need and consume everything in your fridge. You will reduce food waste and easily be more sustainable in the kitchen considering groceries alone.

2. Homemade meals

Try to cook as much as you can of your own food. You will know exactly what you are consuming and save a lot of money and avoid plastic packages. These are very important to your kitchen’s sustainability. It’s also a great way to save some money!

3. Eat local

Have you ever thought about how far away your exotic vegetables have been harvested? Food travels long distances before getting to you. Think about it: olives from Greece, mango from Brazil, lemons from Argentina. These are a few examples of these veggie trips.  There are a lot of CO2 emissions transporting food from far away! By eating locally, you also support local farmers and small businesses in your community.

4. Shop in season

Even if most products are available to buy all year round, prices and quality change. Shopping for the season’s products can make a big impact on your wallet and health. Even the environment. Not to mention helping you be more sustainable in the kitchen! By shopping in season, you’re reducing your environmental footprint. You’ll also be trying something new every few months! You will also be eating foods that are packed with the highest amount of nutrients.

5. Say goodbye to all the single-use plastics

Start using tote bags for grocery shopping, reuse cardboard bags and glass containers. Container-free shops have become more and more popular over the years. You can search for one by your home, bring your own containers, and shop waste-free!

6. Separate your trash

Are you ready to take it to the next level? Get a recycling bin and a compost bin! Learn how to separate your garbage, and commit to it. A compost bin will help you get rid of leftovers and will give you free fertilizer you can use for your plants. These days, compost bins are designed to be neat, tidy, and odor-free. Plus, they make your life easier! They help you reduce household waste and are an easy way to be sustainable in the kitchen.

7. Plant herbs

You can plant them in small pots and keep them inside your house, close to a sunny window. The big advantage? You will always have fresh herbs for your favorite dishes and you can use your own fertilizer!

8. Buy a water filter

A water filter saves you time and money. It will also help you reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in landfills.

9. Use homemade natural cleaning products

Natural cleaning products are as effective as regular ones. But they don’t contain any harmful chemicals that are bad for the environment and your health. Natural cleaning products may be more expensive and not all people can afford them. Still, you can make your own using items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Furthermore, you will be avoiding bringing home more plastic containers.