My zero waste and eco-friendly journey began a few years ago. It started with a few small conscious steps and looking back now those steps paved a path I continue to walk on. As humans we will never fully be zero waste because of the nature of our world, but taking space to learn and understand the simple steps we can take to make more earth friendly decisions is a beautiful place to start. One of the best lessons I have learned on this journey is to begin with one aspect of your life you want to transform instead of overwhelming yourself with a complete overhaul of eco-conscious living. Since we tend to use the kitchen the most and it can produce a significant amount of waste, I wanted to share some of the best tips and tricks I have acquired to transform my kitchen into a zero waste, eco-friendly inspired space.
Explore Composting in the Kitchen
Yes, you absolutely can compost in your kitchen without worrying about the smell of decomposition. Start with a small composting tin—and if you’re looking for more tips, check out our guide, Composting for Beginners: A Sustainable Journey Towards a Greener World. Don’t forget to switch the filter every 4 to 6 months!
Bulk Up Your Pantry
Buying in bulk has changed my life. Being able to store more while creating less plastic waste is such a freeing experience. It also brings a minimalist aesthetic that helps your pantry feel less cluttered and more organized. This is also a great opportunity to re-purpose mason jars and glass jars to further your zero waste, eco-friendly journey.
Invest in Reusable Grocery Bags
This has become a global tip for zero waste, eco-friendly living, especially with more research available about how detrimental plastic bags are to the environment. You can find reusable bags at most grocery stores, online, or even retail stores. I personally love carrying my Large "Crunchy Mama Strong" Organic Tote; it’s made of a resistant canvas that can handle anything from lightweight snacks to heavy-weight groceries.
It is so easy to stay prepared because these bags are designed to nest—you can actually store all your different sizes, including the Medium "Crunchy Path to Wellness" Tote, right inside one large bag. I like to keep a set in my car just in case I forget to grab them from the pantry before I head to the store.
Let Go of the Chemical Cleaning Solutions
1 Part Vinegar to 4 Parts Water
Essential Oil of Your Choice for Scent (a few drops)
Glass Spray Bottle
We are all guilty of buying into the “new” cleaning trends and scents for our home, but I have found a simple, powerful, and eco-friendly solution you can make right in your kitchen. This gentle all-purpose mix is a holistic way to cleanse your space while staying kind to the planet.
Eco-Friendly Cleaner
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1 Part Vinegar to 4 Parts Water
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Essential Oil of your choice (see my pet-safe blends below!)
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Glass Spray Bottle
Pro-Tip: Vinegar is a natural wonder, but it is acidic! Avoid using this cleaner on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can dull the finish over time.
Please remember that some essential oils may be dangerous for pets, so ensure you are using the right ingredients for your family.
Quick Tip: Quality Matters
Before you blend, ensure you are using 100% Pure, Organic Essential Oils. To keep your home truly non-toxic, avoid "fragrance" or "perfume" oils, which are often synthetic and full of hidden chemicals.
Look for "100% Pure" and "Certified Organic" on the label to ensure you're getting the raw, potent soul of the plant. Stay tuned—I’ll be writing a full guide soon on how to spot the highest quality oils for your holistic home!
Recommended Pet-Safe Essential Oil Blends
To make your cleaner even more effective without worrying about your fur babies, try one of these combinations. I love how these scents shift the energy of a room, cleansing both your home and your spirit!
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The Citrus Fresh (Grease-Cutting & Energizing)
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Blend: 5 drops Lemon + 5 drops Sweet Orange
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Why: Citrus oils are excellent at cutting through kitchen grease and leave a bright, uplifting scent that is safe for dogs and cats when diluted.
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Mind, Body, Spirit: These are natural mood-boosters. This blend helps clear mental fog and invites a sense of joy and abundance into your kitchen space.
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The Garden Clean (Antimicrobial & Fresh)
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Blend: 5 drops Lemongrass + 5 drops Cedarwood
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Why: Lemongrass is a fantastic pet-safe alternative to Tea Tree for fighting bacteria, while Cedarwood adds a grounding, earthy aroma.
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Mind, Body, Spirit: Cedarwood is deeply grounding, helping you feel centered. Lemongrass helps clear "stagnant" energy, making your home feel vibrant and protected.
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The Herbal Calm (Relaxing & Cleansing)
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Blend: 6 drops Lavender + 4 drops Rosemary
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Why: This creates a spa-like atmosphere in your home. Lavender is one of the safest, most soothing oils for the whole family.
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Mind, Body, Spirit: Perfect for a mindful evening tidy-up. Lavender soothes the nervous system to reduce stress, while Rosemary provides the mental clarity needed to wind down.
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A Final Note for Pet Parents
Even with these safer oils, I always recommend "shaking before spraying" and ensuring the room is well-ventilated while you clean. Our pets have very sensitive noses, so a little bit goes a long way!
Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a zero waste space? Take a deep breath and simply begin. This is a lifelong journey that will only leave this earth better than we found it.
Lots of Crunchy Love,
Wanda
About the Editor
Wanda Malhotra is a wellness-focused entrepreneur, Founder of Crunchy Mama Box and the CMB Certification, and a Wellness Realtor in Tennessee. Her work sits at the intersection of healthy living, intentional design, and lifestyle innovation, with a focus on how environments shape everyday wellbeing.
If you’d like to learn more about Wanda’s work, please visit: 👉 wandamalhotra.com
