Post by account_disabled on Feb 14, 2024 2:36:16 GMT -5
How much plastic is hidden in our kitchen without us barely noticing it? And how can we reduce this environmental impact in a space as everyday as the heart of our home? From cutting boards to plastic containers, our daily lives in the kitchen are infused with this ubiquitous material. Anthropology professor Jessica Brinkworth, when faced with the need to reduce the use of plastics in her own kitchen, discovered that the discomfort generated by excess plastic in her everyday environment was not only personal but also a reflection of a global problem, according to The Guardian . In this context, Brinkworth, along with other experts, explores and shares practical and sustainable strategies to reduce the use of plastics in the kitchen, addressing everything from shopping to cleaning, and reflecting on the crucial role that consumers can play in the fight. against this growing environmental threat. Reduce the use of plastics in the kitchen 1. Shopping In the everyday environment of the supermarket, we find ourselves surrounded by plastics in various forms: from the cellophane that wraps pre-cut mushrooms to milk cartons and pre-cut meat containers. Although it is difficult to completely avoid the presence of these materials, Chin suggests impersonal strategies to significantly reduce their use. The key, according to Chin, lies in adopting a more conscious consumer approach, opting for products made from sustainably sourced, natural materials.
The decision to cook from scratch is presented as an effective alternative to reduce the use of plastics associated with packaged or processed foods. When making purchases, both for groceries Taiwan Phone Number List and kitchen appliances, it is recommended to question the true need for the products, encourage the reuse of what you already own and look for options with recycled content. According to a 2021 World Economic Forum report, reusing just 10% of plastic products could prevent nearly half of plastic waste in the oceans each year. The adoption of practices such as taking reusable bags to the supermarket and exploring options in zero-waste stores or farmers' markets, where it is possible to use your own containers, are presented as effective measures to avoid the unnecessary use of plastic packaging. In certain places, you can even opt for milk delivery services that use glass bottles instead of plastic containers, thus helping to reduce the plastic footprint in the kitchen in an impersonal way. 2. Cooking The presence of plastic in the kitchen extends beyond clear packaging, infiltrating common appliances such as cutting boards, mixing bowls, non-stick pans, spatulas and food processors. According to Brinkworth, these plastic cookware can release significant levels of micro- and nanoparticles, especially when subjected to heat, cutting or mixing.
Researchers at North Dakota State University have shown that cutting food on plastic boards can release millions of microplastics annually. Recent research has also documented the release of microplastics when using plastic mixing bowls, mixers, kettles and non-stick pans. To minimize this exposure, it is recommended, impersonally, to replace plastic appliances with alternatives made of metal, glass or wood whenever possible. However, caution is warranted when selecting wooden or bamboo appliances, even considering the type of glue used, since, as Brinkworth points out, even the glue on a tea bag can release billions of microplastics. 3. Storage Plastic film emerges as one of the largest contributors to environmental impact, given its unique use and the notable duration of its decomposition in landfills, reaching almost 1,000 years. Plastic packaging, which includes everything from cling film to sandwich bags and candy wrappers, accounts for about half of the plastic waste polluting the oceans. Although its convenience is undeniable, Brinkworth impersonally urges consumers to explore reusable alternatives. The option of manufacturing reusable films, although it can be expensive, is presented as a practical and personalized alternative. It consists of cutting cotton fabric, placing it on a baking tray and covering it with beeswax, which can be enriched with jojoba oil to improve flexibility, baking it for two or three minutes. For those who prefer more affordable solutions, reusable beeswax films are available in many supermarkets. Brinkworth points out that, despite their ease of cleaning, reusable films will eventually show signs of wear.
The decision to cook from scratch is presented as an effective alternative to reduce the use of plastics associated with packaged or processed foods. When making purchases, both for groceries Taiwan Phone Number List and kitchen appliances, it is recommended to question the true need for the products, encourage the reuse of what you already own and look for options with recycled content. According to a 2021 World Economic Forum report, reusing just 10% of plastic products could prevent nearly half of plastic waste in the oceans each year. The adoption of practices such as taking reusable bags to the supermarket and exploring options in zero-waste stores or farmers' markets, where it is possible to use your own containers, are presented as effective measures to avoid the unnecessary use of plastic packaging. In certain places, you can even opt for milk delivery services that use glass bottles instead of plastic containers, thus helping to reduce the plastic footprint in the kitchen in an impersonal way. 2. Cooking The presence of plastic in the kitchen extends beyond clear packaging, infiltrating common appliances such as cutting boards, mixing bowls, non-stick pans, spatulas and food processors. According to Brinkworth, these plastic cookware can release significant levels of micro- and nanoparticles, especially when subjected to heat, cutting or mixing.
Researchers at North Dakota State University have shown that cutting food on plastic boards can release millions of microplastics annually. Recent research has also documented the release of microplastics when using plastic mixing bowls, mixers, kettles and non-stick pans. To minimize this exposure, it is recommended, impersonally, to replace plastic appliances with alternatives made of metal, glass or wood whenever possible. However, caution is warranted when selecting wooden or bamboo appliances, even considering the type of glue used, since, as Brinkworth points out, even the glue on a tea bag can release billions of microplastics. 3. Storage Plastic film emerges as one of the largest contributors to environmental impact, given its unique use and the notable duration of its decomposition in landfills, reaching almost 1,000 years. Plastic packaging, which includes everything from cling film to sandwich bags and candy wrappers, accounts for about half of the plastic waste polluting the oceans. Although its convenience is undeniable, Brinkworth impersonally urges consumers to explore reusable alternatives. The option of manufacturing reusable films, although it can be expensive, is presented as a practical and personalized alternative. It consists of cutting cotton fabric, placing it on a baking tray and covering it with beeswax, which can be enriched with jojoba oil to improve flexibility, baking it for two or three minutes. For those who prefer more affordable solutions, reusable beeswax films are available in many supermarkets. Brinkworth points out that, despite their ease of cleaning, reusable films will eventually show signs of wear.