Plastic-Free May is the annual nudge to critically re-examine your plastic habits. Because yes, plastic is handy, light, and cheap. But, and here's the big but, it's made from crude oil and often leaves behind microplastics during use. In nature, in your home, and ultimately, just in your body. Yikes. Time to do things differently then. These are the favourite plastic-free kitchen essentials from thegreenlist.nl, easily found at Dille & Kamille. Saskia's Choice.
Living plastic-free (or freer) with the help of Dille & Kamille!
In collaboration with Dille & Kamille
Living plastic-free (or rather, with less plastic) sounds complicated, because, well… plastic is everywhere. But once you get a bit of a handle on what to look out for, it’s not too bad. Especially if you’ve discovered Dille & Kamille’s plastic-free sweet shop. Then you’ll see: it mainly becomes more fun (and prettier). Less disposable, more items that last and simply work better. This is the kind of shop where you go in for one thing and are still there half an hour later because you’re getting ideas everywhere. They really have all sorts of things for in and around the house. But anyway, we’re staying focused. Because if there’s anywhere you can easily make steps towards less plastic, it’s in the kitchen. So: these are our favourite kitchen swaps.
Top picks for a plastic-free kitchen
You really don't need to overhaul your entire kitchen at once. Start with the things you use every day; that's often where you'll see the most benefit. These are our favourite, easy Swaps that you can apply so easily. Also nice to ask for or receive as a gift!
- Loofah cleaning spongeOne of the biggest microplastic distributors in your kitchen? Your sponge! These are often made of synthetic material that slowly wears away during cleaning. A source of microplastics then! Therefore, switch to a loofah sponge, made from the dried fibres of a plant. Works just as well, scrubs fine, and the best part: after months of use – because it's incredibly strong – you can simply throw it in the organic waste bin! While you're looking at the sponges, also take a moment to check out the fine Knitted organic cotton cleaning cloths. Also a tip!
- Wooden washing-up brush: even often your dish brush is made of plastic, including the bristles. These too wear down and disappear slowly as microplastics. With the wooden dish brush from Dille & Kamille you're on the right track. The bristles are also made from a plant, the agave plant to be precise. And in the spirit of Less wasteIf the brush head is worn out, you only replace that part instead of the whole brush. And let's be honest: an old-fashioned wooden brush simply looks cosier than a plastic camping thing in a garish colour.
- Wooden chopping board Then maintenance oilIn many kitchens, plastic chopping boards are still common. But oh dear, as soon as you cut on them with a knife, tiny plastic particles are released. Into your food! Not a pleasant thought. You'd be better off choosing a wooden chopping board. They are sturdier, last longer, and fit in better with a plastic-free kitchen. Tip: take a bottle of maintenance oil from Dille & Kamille with you straight away. By rubbing oil into your board occasionally, you'll keep it looking good and make it harder for odours and bacteria to take hold.
- Lunchboxes and drinking cups (stainless steel): In many school bags you'll still find plastic lunchboxes and drink bottles. Makes sense? Well, not really. Especially when you consider that plastic lunchboxes and drink bottles, when used in the dishwasher hormone-disrupting substances can be released. Not a good idea. Fortunately, the solution is simple: opt for stainless steel. Just as easy to use, incredibly strong, and you won't have to worry about what's being released. At Dille & Kamille, you'll find lovely versions in different sizes that will last for years. We're fans!
- Glass storage containers: what do you keep your pasta, legumes, herbs or leftovers in? Plastic too? It doesn't have to be. Glass is a truly lovely and safe choice for this. At Dille & Kamille you'll find beautiful Jar with clips – an interior tip straight away – but also practical Food storage and oven dishes for leftovers and meal prepping. They can go straight in the freezer, oven, and microwave. Something you'd rather not do with plastic!
Getting started with a plastic-free kitchen with the help of Dille & Kamille. To the right is the loofah sponge that we're a fan of.
ALSO INTERESTING: Fewer microplastics? Go on a microplastics diet!
Plastic-free shopping at Dille & Kamille
You really don't have to overhaul your entire kitchen at once. Start with the things that are most in need of replacement and expand step by step. For example, ask for some handy basics for your birthday or holidays. And a small warning if you're in the Dille & Kamille shop: don't linger too long at the tea towels and dishcloths in cool prints. You’ll really become greedy. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
