Earth Day Every Day: Simple Ways to Reduce Waste in Your Kitchen

When it comes to going green, the kitchen is a great place to start. This Earth Day, we’re sharing easy, practical tips that can help reduce waste, save money, and make a difference—right from the heart of your home.

Compost Your Scraps

Instead of tossing food scraps in the trash, consider starting a compost bin. Fruit peels, veggie ends, coffee grounds, and eggshells all make great compost material. Don’t have a backyard? No problem! Countertop compost bins or local composting programs make it easy to get started.

Ditch the Single-Use Items

Swap out paper towels, plastic wrap, and disposable baggies for reusable alternatives. Think cloth dish towels, beeswax wraps, and silicone food storage bags. They last longer and reduce the amount of waste heading to the landfill.

Love Your Leftovers

Plan meals with leftovers in mind. Store them in clear containers so you don’t forget about them in the back of the fridge.

Bonus tip: Get creative and turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunch! Soups, stir-fries, and salads are perfect for remixing ingredients.

Buy in Bulk and Store Smart

Buying in bulk reduces packaging waste and can save you money too. Store bulk goods in glass jars or airtight containers to keep them fresh. Just don’t forget to bring your own containers when shopping at bulk stores.

Use It All

Challenge yourself to use all parts of your food. Carrot tops can go into pesto, broccoli stems can be spiralized or added to stir-fry, and bones or veggie scraps can make a flavorful broth.

Be Mindful of Expiry Dates

Organize your fridge and pantry using the “first in, first out” rule—older items go to the front so you use them before they expire. It’s a small shift that can significantly cut down on food waste.

Let’s Celebrate Earth Day—One Meal at a Time

Making small changes in your kitchen can have a big impact over time. Whether you’re packing a lunch or prepping dinner, there’s always an opportunity to be a little kinder to the planet. At The Standard, we believe in protecting what matters most—from your home and your family to the Earth we all share.