Sustainability and Baking
When we think about making our lives more eco-friendly, we usually think of our closets. However, our kitchens should not be discounted. In fact, 103 million tons of food waste are created every year1. However, it’s not all bad. In fact, over 65% of consumers2 look for products that help them live more environmentally and socially responsible. At EarthHero, we curate our marketplace selection based on impact. While many kitchen utensils (including spatulas, pans, and cling wrap) incorporate icky chemicals and single-use plastics, we prioritize quality and environmental impact. Using our 5 Step Methodology, we assess a product and company’s materials, manufacturing processes, give-back programs, packaging, and whether their products support a sustainable lifestyle. That way, our customers know that when they shop on EarthHero, they’re shopping for the planet too.
Read on to see some of our tips for making your fall season baking the most sustainable it can be with our favorite goods: bread and pies! (Psst… peek a recipe favorite at the end of the blog!)
Bread
For many folks, when they think of fall they think of warm and fresh bread. Not only is fall a great time to try your hand out at something new like bread-making, but it’s also a perfect time for incorporating autumnal produce into meals (think pumpkin, butternut squash, and apples). But once you start, the plastic starts to accumulate, from single-serve yeast packets to impossible-to-recycle cling wrap for storing. You don’t need to fall into that black hole of waste. Instead, do a little planning before shopping so you can shop zero waste and be plastic-free. For instance, larger containers of yeast tend to come in tinted glass with recyclable aluminum lids, and buying spices in bulk is common in a lot of supermarkets nowadays. Overall, shopping in-season, planning ahead, and getting creative are fantastic ways to reduce your kitchen waste. So go on and get baking!
If anything is left after you pull your loaf out of the oven, you can store it in a bread bag or wrapped in beeswax wrap. We love this Bread Bag from Eco-Bags because it’s 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and features a drawstring bag. Or, for something that molds to the bread, we love the Reusable Beeswax Bread Wrap from Bee’s Wrap. It’s great for proofing dough or picking up a loaf to pair with your evening dinner!
Pie
When we think of fall pie, so many come to mind. In the U.S., the winners are are pumpkin (36%), pecan (17%), and apple (14%)3. That’s a lot of pie! It’s an all-around winner at the dinner table, but one aspect we often forget is the impact our pies have on the environment. From ensuring we’re sourcing local fruits and vegetables, to considering the spices we’re using and the materials our favorite pie beads and mixing bowls are made of, it’s all important.
One thing you can do to reduce your environmental footprint this fall is to look into in-season produce for your pies. Usually, you’ll find the farm location on the produce’s label which will tell you country and maybe city of origin. Better yet, you can head over to your local farmer’s market to see what’s in stock! Opting for local produce is great because it means fewer transportation emissions are tied to your beloved produce. The same goes for spices. While it’s tougher to work around spices, it’s important to be aware of the steps taken to get you your cinnamon or nutmeg. Education is the first step to becoming an earth hero, after all.
With all this in mind, we hope your pie creations are as delicious and as mouth-watering as you deserve them to be. And, to make your creation last longer and stay fresher, try out our Composable Cling Wrap from Zefiro. It’s made from plant-based bioplastic and comes pre-perforated for your convenience.
Our Favorite Products
Comfortable Apron
You can replace the apron part with this: Every baker needs an apron, and not just for the mess! There’s something about tying one on that instantly makes you feel like a baking pro. It keeps the flour from taking over your clothes, gives you pockets for all those little tools, and honestly, it just adds a cozy, "I’m about to bake something magical" vibe. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute apron that makes kitchen time a little more fun and stylish? It’s an essential baking accessory!
Kitchen Compost Bin
Whether you’re a baker or not, a compost bin in the kitchen is a must. This stylish and plastic-free kitchen countertop compost bin is the ideal solution for stress-free composting. Store your organic scraps in this bin before transferring them into your outdoor compost bin or city collection site. Designed with a matte finish and built from durable stainless steel, it brings an aesthetic touch to your kitchen countertop. Pro tip: put a compostable bag inside so it’s easy to take to the compost (unless you’re composting at home, that is).
Sustainable Cookbook
One of our newest products on EarthHero is the cookbook Sustainable Kitchen by Heather Wolfe and Jaynie McCloskey. We’re so excited about it because it’s chock-full of fun and delicious recipes, from Morning Glory Muffins to Bow Thai Salad. It’s a perfect addition to any foodie’s kitchen looking to add plant-based options to their cooking and baking repertoire. Plus, it’s printed in the USA on FSC-certified paper and ships completely plastic-free!
Bonus Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies
One of our favorite partnerships is with The Real Food Dieticians because they offer a slew of recipes and wellness advice for any need. The Real Food Dieticians is made up of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who wanted to make it easy for foodies to create healthy recipes that are big on flavor and nutrition. Plus, their recipes are customizable, with many offering alternatives and suggestions based on dietary restrictions and allergies.
Their Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of our favorite recipes! Not only does it incorporate beloved (and in-season) pumpkin, but it also explains every step with vivid photograph accompaniments. They’re also gluten-free and egg-free and incorporates flaxseed egg and other substitutions (butternut squash for those who dislike pumpkin). Try using our baking sheets from Net Zero Co which are naturally non-stick and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Afterward, these cookies are easy to freeze and have the next day (or week!).
We hope we were helpful to you as you prepare to amp up your kitchen with eco-friendly products and inventive tips to make sure your fall baking is good for you and for the planet too!
Check out our selection of sustainable kitchen products on EarthHero and let us know in the comments what you’re looking forward to baking this season. We’d love to try it out too!
