30 Days to a More Sustainable Kitchen with Reusable Alternatives
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Time to Read: 10 min
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Time to Read: 10 min
Do you ever find yourself cleaning up after dinner and wondering where all the stuff comes from? The plastic packaging, the used paper towels... it can feel like a never-ending cycle! The other day, my little one asked me, "Mommy, where does all this trash go?" Honestly, I fumbled for an answer, feeling a twinge of guilt.
As a pediatrician, I'm passionate about children's health. That includes not just what they eat but also the world they'll grow up in. Building a more sustainable kitchen isn't just about reducing waste, it's about creating a healthier environment.
But don't worry, transforming your kitchen doesn't have to be a huge undertaking. It's about taking small, manageable steps that fit into your busy life. That's why I'm excited to share this 30-day challenge with you. We'll tackle one small change each week, gradually building towards a kitchen that's better for your family and the planet. The best part? Your kids can join in the fun, learning valuable lessons about caring for our Earth along the way.
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Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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Let's kick off our 30-day challenge with a simple yet impactful step: saying goodbye to some of the most common single-use items in our kitchens. I know, it might seem small, but trust me, these swaps add up!
Days 1-7: Our focus this week is on replacing paper towels, plastic wrap, paper napkins, and disposable snack bags.
A Helping Hand: Did you know that even our little ones' mealtime can be more sustainable? Reusable dishware, like the Ahimsa Mindful Mealtime Set, is a fantastic way to reduce waste and make mealtime fun. Made from durable stainless steel, these colorful dishes are perfect for little hands and can be used for years to come. They're not only safe and non-toxic, but they also help teach kids about the importance of sustainability. And, you’ll love to know that our stainless steel plates and bowls are Made Safe certified.
Tip: Making these swaps fun is key, especially when it comes to getting kids on board. Turn it into a scavenger hunt for reusable alternatives, or have a family "unwrapping" party to celebrate ditching plastic wrap. Remember, every small change makes a difference!
Alright, week two is here, and we're diving into the world of food storage! This week, we're focusing on reducing plastic waste and embracing reusable options that will keep your kitchen organized and eco-friendly.
Days 8-14: Let's bid farewell to those plastic containers that seem to multiply in our cabinets and say hello to some new sustainable storage solutions.
Small but Mighty Storage: Speaking of snacks and lunches, the Ahimsa Circle Trio is a lifesaver for busy families. These colorful, leak-proof containers are perfect for packing snacks, dips, or even small portions of leftovers. They're made from stainless steel, so they're durable and easy to clean. Plus, they nest together for easy storage – no more digging through a messy cabinet for matching lids.
Tip: Farmers' markets are a great place to find unpackaged produce and bulk items. You can bring your reusable bags and fill them up with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. It's a wonderful way to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
Remember, every time you choose a reusable option, you're helping to create a healthier planet for our children.
This week, we're diving into the world of water and energy conservation! These resources are precious, and by making mindful choices in the kitchen, we can reduce our environmental impact and even save some money.
Days 15-21: Our focus this week is on reducing our water usage and making energy-efficient choices in the kitchen.
Tip: Get your kids involved in the water-saving mission! Challenge them to find ways to conserve water in the kitchen and throughout the house. They can turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth, take shorter showers, or even help water plants with leftover water from cooking. Making it a game is a great way to teach them valuable lessons about conservation.
Congratulations! You've made it to the final week of our 30-day challenge. We've tackled disposables, food storage, and energy conservation. Now, let's take a step back and focus on the bigger picture of sustainable eating and kitchen practices.
Days 22-30: This week, we're all about mindful meal planning, supporting local farmers, and even getting a little green in our kitchen.
Tip: Meal planning and cooking don't have to be a chore! Involve the whole family in the process. Kids can help choose recipes, wash vegetables, or even stir ingredients. It's a great opportunity to teach them about healthy eating and where food comes from.
Wow, look at us! We've spent the past 30 days transforming our kitchens into greener, healthier spaces. From saying goodbye to single-use items to exploring meal planning magic, we've made some incredible strides towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Remember, sustainability isn't about perfection, it's a journey we take one step at a time. Every choice you make, no matter how small, has a positive impact. So celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and keep exploring new ways to reduce your footprint.
And as you continue on the path to a greener household, consider extending your sustainable choices beyond just your kitchen habits. If you're looking for safe and durable dishware for your family, you might consider options like the Ahimsa stainless steel collection. It's a small but meaningful way to make mealtime even more eco-friendly.
Here's to a brighter, healthier future for our families and our planet. Keep making those positive changes, one step at a time!
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.