10 Zero Waste Kitchen and Pantry Essentials

Give your cooking a sustainable makeover with these zero waste kitchen and pantry essentials.

Have you ever wanted to reduce the amount of waste you produce when it comes to food? In this LIVEKINDLY With Me episode, zero waste blogger Gittemary shows us some of her favorite zero waste kitchen and pantry staples. 

“I am going to take you guys through my sustainable zero waste pantry and what I need daily to create a zero waste kitchen,” she explains.

If you’re looking to shop more sustainably and avoid plastic as much as possible, purchasing food in bulk is a great way to reduce waste. Take a look at the list below for ten items you can easily find at a bulk food store.

10 Zero Waste Kitchen and Pantry Essentials

Gittemary says people shouldn’t be discouraged if they’re unable to live a 100 percent zero waste lifestyle. “One of the things that i think is still the most important is to discuss how it is impossible to be zero waste in a society that’s not designed for zero waste,” she says.

She continues: “I think it’s just super important to recognize that not everyone has the same items or services available to them.”

Gittemary says there are simple ways people can help make a difference, however. “I really want to show you these ten food items that I love to use that are sustainable and you can find often without packaging or with less packaging,” she says.

So, what are Gittemary’s zero waste kitchen and pantry essentials?

Flour

This pantry staple can be purchased in paper or cardboard bags, which can be easily composted or recycled. “That is something that I prioritize often over buying in plastic, over buying in non-recyclables. Because buying in recyclables is better than buying non-recyclables,” Gittemary explains.

Oats

This kitchen essential can also be purchased in paper bags or in bulk. “I usually bring some bags with me to the bulk store and then I transfer what was in the bags into my solid glass retainers,” Gittemary says.

Lentils

Up next: lentils. Another item that can be purchased in bulk, this nutritious item should be on anyone’s shopping list. “They’re really great if you want to add some sustenance and you don’t want to use meat,” she adds.

Peanut Butter

Another essential for Gittemary is peanut butter. Opt for the more sustainable option and purchase this zero waste kitchen staple in a glass jar.

Pasta

One of Gittemary’s favorite foods, buy this sustainable pantry product in bulk.

Chickpeas

Another go-to in Gittemary’s household: dried chickpeas. Buy them in bulk, or purchase them canned.

Olive Oil

Easily purchased in glass bottles, Gittemary recommends keeping olive oil in a dark container so it doesn’t go bad.

Curry Powder

Purchase this zero waste kitchen staple in a glass jar or metal tin.

Hemp Seeds

Packed with nutrients and protein, make hemp seeds a sustainable go-to in your pantry.

Nutritional Yeast

Last but not least, nooch is packed with umami flavor and nutrients. Buy it in bulk for a plastic-free shopping experience.