7 Sustainable swaps to make mealtimes greener

We all know the world of plant-based is growing, with vegan and vegetarian meals appearing on the menu more and more for lots of us. But it’s not just a portion of veggies that can make mealtimes greener. We’re going beyond what’s on your plate, exploring simple eco swaps all the way from what you put in your trolley to what ends up in your trash.

1. Swap out the single-use plastics

It’s hardly ground-breaking that a reusable bag goes a long way, but if you’re anything like us, the good intention is there. It’s just actually remembering to take the bags with you! Our Large Waterproof Foldable Shopping Bag packs down into a small drawstring bag so it can always be on hand for any impromptu trips to the supermarket. Another easy swap is to ditch plastic-wrapped fruit and veg –  instead, it’s more sustainable to head for the loose veg and buy exactly the amount you need – you can always pop them in Veggio Reusable Fruit & Veg Bags to get them safely home.

2. Swap to a meal plan

Our second swap involves saying goodbye to spontaneous shopping and hello to a trusty meal plan. Not only will this help to speed up your shop, it’s also great for sustainability, preventing an abundance of items in our trolleys going to waste. With weekly meals planned to a T, you can stick to only buying what you need, and choose ingredients that work across your recipes. It’s also great for keeping tabs on the ‘use by’ dates on foods, making sure food will be fresh when you need it. We have a host of ways to keep food fresh for longer in the fridge and your cupboards, from Stayfresh Longer Bags and Silicone Stretch Pods to first in, first out Vegetable Storage Bags. 

3. Swap out takeaways and last-minute lunches

Tomorrow’s lunch is always a great chance to use up any leftovers – perfect for those times when our eyes are bigger than our bellies. Extra ingredients can also be quickly transformed into something tasty to save you from a plastic-ridden meal deal (and save you some pennies in the process). Our favourite lunchtime combo is a quick soup and sandwich – enjoy them on-the-go with a Lock & Lock Eco Food Storage Container and sustainable, all-natural Bees Wraps.

4. Swap to eco equipment

When it comes to stocking your kitchen with everyday essentials, have a dip into some conscious consumerism and check out which products float your boat without being bad for the oceans. There’s a range of incredible eco products out there – from recyclable Fabric Food Covers to more environmentally friendly pan ranges like our Hard Oxidised Frying Pans, and even Compostable Cake Pans. These like-for-like swaps not only make a difference in the kitchen but also help towards cooking up a better world. With less plastic and fewer chemicals going to into the sea, landfills and nature. It’s a win-win!

5. Swap to friendly alfresco dining

Be it a party platter or summer evenings eating out in the garden (fingers crossed), the disposable plate is one guest we don’t want at the table! There are plenty of other ways you can tuck in away from the dining room, such as our Cherry Flower Bamboo Dining Set. Largely made from sustainably sourced bamboo fibre and maize powder, it’s the perfect eco-friendly swap to use-once-and-throw-away paper or plastic plates.

6. Swap to a food waste bin

Leaving waste is rubbish! But what can you do when the leftovers just won’t cut it for another meal? A compost or food waste caddy is the perfect place for them. Separate out your compostable food waste from non-recyclable items. Either put on your compost heap at home or add to your kerbside recycling – and keep it out of landfill.

7. Swap to cleaner cleaning

When it comes to washing up and wiping down, switch to chemical-free and reusable products that keep the environment happy. Wilton London Washing-Up Liquid is a great eco-friendly swap, pairing a recycled plastic bottle with an effective plant-based formula – so it helps you keep your conscience and your pots clean. Ditching foam (a.k.a. plastic) sponges and using Mabu Biodegradable Cleaning Multi Cloths is also a must for cutting down plastic waste and bacteria simultaneously. Made from 100% biodegradable wood fibre, they remain fresher than ordinary dishcloths – so you can just keep on reusing them!