With Earth Day coming up on April 22, now is a good time to think about going greener in the kitchen. Today we’re offering some sustainable swaps you can make in your Northern Beaches kitchen that have the added bonus of saving you money.
Eat with the seasons
It’s time to grab your reusable produce and carry bags and become best friends with stallholders at your local farmers’ market. Here’s a comprehensive list of options surrounding the Northern Beaches.
If you can’t make it to a market, there are several fresh fruit and vegetable delivery box options too:
Now you have no excuse! So, what’s in season in April? For fruit, you’ve got apples, berries, pears and kiwi fruit. For vegetables, the options are basically endless and include tomatoes, pumpkins, lettuce, capsicums and broccoli.
Reduce food waste
Reducing food waste is better for the environment and your wallet, as groceries definitely aren’t cheap these days. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to reduce food waste:
- Meal plan. Make a plan for the week and write a corresponding grocery list. That way you’ll have everything you need on hand and can say goodbye to unnecessary trips to Woolies and impulse purchases.
- Ensure older items are always at the front in your fridge and pantry so you use them first. Build your meal plan around these items to save money and waste.
- Store your produce and prepare fresh herbs correctly.
- Use up all your leftovers. Freeze leftover meals or enjoy them for lunch the next day as part of your weekly meal plan. Use leftover fruit in a smoothie or vegetables in a soup, stew or frittata. You can also transform leftover vegetables and meat bones into homemade stock. Challenge yourself to make a meal out of what’s in your fridge before stocking up again – you might discover a new dish you love.
Cut down on your meat consumption
Did you know that having one plant-based day a week can have a lasting impact on the planet? Meat-free Monday is a worldwide phenomenon focused on reducing meat consumption. Their website is filled with delicious plant-based recipes, like caramelised banana pancakes, sweet potato and peanut butter curry and kale mac and cheese. Local Northern Beaches libraries are another great resource for veggie-friendly cookbooks for a bit of inspiration.
Start composting
Your garden and the environment will thank you when you start turning fruit and vegetable scraps into compost. The Northern Beaches Council actually offers residents a $90 voucher towards buying a worm farm or compost bin if they attend a local workshop. If you’re an apartment dweller, fear not. There are small urban compost systems available for you as well.
Flex your green thumb
If you think you need a garden to grow your own produce, think again. This ABC post highlights the vegetables and herbs you can easily grow without a garden.
- Herbs are expensive to buy but easy to grow. Basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, rosemary and mint will all thrive in a small space.
- Cherry tomatoes are a very popular pot-grown fruit.
- Try growing leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and kale.
- Beans and peas grow vertically (winner winner).
- Garlic and onion, two kitchen staples, don’t need a lot of space either.
Switch cleaning products
How much time do you spend cleaning your kitchen? Too much? Make the switch to sustainable cleaning products like Zero Co, an eco-friendly Aussie brand. “You order, we deliver, you return, we refill!” They stock everything from cleaning products to dishwashing liquid to sustainable dishcloths. Your kitchen will be sustainable from top to bottom.
Thinking of selling your Northern Beaches home?
If you’re planning to sell your home this year, or simply want to get an idea of the current market, feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
